The nervous system: constitution and functioning
The nervous system: constitution and functioning
What is the nervous system?
The nervous system is a complex set of structures and cells that control all the vital and necessary functions in some living beings. It is responsible for vital functions such as breathing, nutrition, motor skills, sensitivity, as well as other functions such as intellectual and emotional faculties.
Most living things have a nervous system. However, there are organisms that do not have it, such as protozoa and porifers.
In humans, the nervous system divides into two, one has the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system is made up of nerves.
Function of the nervous system
The main function of the nervous system is the linking function, as it connects the functions and stimuli of different parts of the body through this central system. With it, it is possible that humans and other animals can coordinate their movements or responses to stimuli in a conscious and thoughtful way.
The structure of the nervous system
To study the nervous system, the human body has been anatomically divided into two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The central nervous system
Le système nerveux central (SNC) est composé du cerveau et de la moelle épinière. Le cerveau, à son tour, est composé de cerveau, cervelet, moelle épinière.
- Le cerveau: c’est organe qui contrôle les actions volontaires. Il est lié à l'apprentissage, à la mémoire et aux émotions.
- Le cervelet: il coordonne les mouvements, les réflexes et l'équilibre du corps.
- La moelle épinière: dirige les activités internes des organes, tels que la respiration, le rythme cardiaque et la température corporelle. La moelle épinière se connecte au cerveau et traverse tout le corps à l'intérieur de la colonne vertébrale.
Le système nerveux périphérique
Le système nerveux périphérique (SNP) englobe tous les nerfs qui quittent le système nerveux central dans tout le corps. Il est composé de nerfs et de ganglions nerveux regroupés en :
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS): It includes three types of nerves which are sensory nerves, motor nerves, and mixed nerves.
- Vegetative or autonomic nervous system (ANS): includes the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
The nervous system and neurons
The cells of the nervous system are called neurons. They are very important for its proper functioning, as they are responsible for the transmission of sensory information.
Neurons are specialized cells that receive stimuli from different parts of the body and, in turn, send responses to the proper functioning of organs.
Update date: February 11, 2021.
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