Nervous system

Nervous system: functions and work

The nervous system is a complex system of organs that provides communication between our body and the external environment and regulates the functioning of all organs and systems, ensuring their functional unity. This is possible thanks to the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the internal activities of the body.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is the most complex organ of the nervous system, located inside the skull. It consists of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and medulla oblongata. The brain is responsible for thinking, speech, memory, emotions and other higher human functions. The spinal cord is located inside the spinal column and is responsible for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body.

The peripheral nervous system consists of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system is responsible for the voluntary control of the skeletal muscles, and the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the involuntary control of the internal organs and systems of the body. The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system excites the body and mobilizes its energy, while the parasympathetic system relaxes the body and conserves its energy.

The nervous system consists of neurons - cells that contact each other through processes - dendrites and axons. This forms a branched complex that transmits commands from the brain to the skeletal muscles and automatically regulates the work of involuntary muscles.

Peripheral nerves are bundles of fibers that transmit nerve impulses. They can be ascending, if they transmit sensations from the whole body to the central nervous system, and descending, or motor, if they convey commands from the nerve centers to all parts of the body.

Each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite part of the body because nerve pathways cross as they pass through the medulla oblongata. This explains why left-handers are right-brain dominant, allowing them to write and perform movements more accurately with their left hand.

In an adult, the total length of nerves throughout the body is 75 km. Electrical signals pass through them at speeds exceeding 400 km/h. The nervous system performs many functions that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It regulates the functioning of all organs and systems, controls movements, sensations, thinking, memory, emotions, and also provides communication with the external environment.

The central nervous system is the main element of the nervous system. The brain performs many functions related to higher nervous activity, such as thinking, speech, memory, emotions, and coordination of movements. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling reflexes and controlling skeletal muscles.

The peripheral nervous system, in turn, consists of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system is responsible for the voluntary control of the skeletal muscles, which allows us to perform various movements. The autonomic nervous system regulates the involuntary activity of organs and systems of the body, such as the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines and others.

The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system excites the body and mobilizes its energy in response to stressful situations, physical activity, or danger. The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, relaxes the body and conserves its energy.

Peripheral nerves play an important role in transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. They can be ascending, if they transmit sensations from the whole body to the central nervous system, and descending, if they convey commands from the nerve centers to all parts of the body.

The nervous system is one of the most complex organ systems in our body. It is made up of many cells and components that work together to keep the body functioning normally. To maintain a healthy nervous system, you need to eat right, exercise regularly, avoid stressful situations and get enough sleep.