Communication between cells through chemical means
As life on earth evolved, living things depended on how well they can respond to change in their surroundings. Long ago, communication between cells through chemical means was too slow, and a new system emerged, and that is the nervous system. It is a mixed group of nerves and idiomatic cells (neurons) that transmit signals into various chunk of the body where the response occurs. It is the body’s electrical wiring—the essay majors on understanding the Nervous system at depth.
The central nervous system is made of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system has ganglia (cluster of neurons), sensory neurons, and nerves away from the spinal cord, and the brain is the two primary composite of the nervous system. The peripheral system has two task unit, that is The motor and sensory parts. The somatic nervous system calls for voluntary movements, falls under motor division. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary movement (functioning of cardiac and smooth muscles together with the glands. The sensory receptors of the skin are connected to the brain and the spinal cord.
Nerve cells that sends impulses to other cells through thin fibers called axons are called Neurons. They cause breaking of neurotransmitters nine chemical 0 at synapses. A synapse gives instructions, and the communication takes a period of a millisecond. On the other hand, nerves are a group of axons and dendrites of many neurons with blood vessels and connective tissues. Signals travel in the spinal cord 268mph(431km/h) along an alpha motor neuron.
The nervous system plays essential functions: Regulates a necessary part of the body functioning, Supports homeostasis, and the endocrine unit. It responds to adjustments in the internal environment and controls digestion and blood pressure(involuntary). Bring about changes in the external environment, posture, and other voluntary activities. It consists of the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the brain. It plays a part in chemical regulation through hormones that act on target cells and influence metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
The brain and the spinal cord are Paramount organs in the Nervous system. The spinal cord is a long bunch of nerve tissue ½ inch thick and 18inhes long. It expands from underneath part of the brain lower to the spinal column. The brain weighs 3 pounds, consists of many folds and grooves, which creates sufficient space for storing essential functions. It is made up of three sections: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. The forebrain consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland. The cerebrum controls mental activities involved in memory intelligence and thinking, Sensory perception of pain temperature, and others. It has four lobes, which help in processing this information. It also consists of two hemispheres, right and left halves. The coordination of all messages going in and out of brain is conducted by midbrain which acts a master of coordination. The hindbrain at the back of the cerebrum consists of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum (the little brain) responsible for balance, movement, and coordination.
The musculoskeletal system brings about movements and structures of the body. Stores calcium essential for the nervous system functioning. The skull protects the brain from injury. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord. The cardiovascular system, endothelial cells, keep the blood-brain barrier. It is in the venous blood supply that cerebral spinal fluid flows. The brain usually regulates heart rate and blood pressure. Under the endocrine system, hormones provide feedback to the mind. The hypothalamus controls the Pituitary glands. In the Lymphatic system, the brain stimulates defense mechanisms against infections. The digestive system, the brain controls peristalsis, drinking, and feeding behavior. Urinary: the brain governs the bladder, urination.
Alzheimer’s disease affects brain functioning, memory, and behavior. It attacks brain cells and neurotransmitters, and Dementia can occur. Management of these illnesses includes; antipsychotics, Deep brain stimulation, Rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
In conclusion, the nervous system is the body’s inner communication system. Living organisms are, therefore able to detect changes in their environment and within themselves as well. These changes include temperature, odor, light, and sound. Those from the internal environment comprises of those in a position of the head, limbs and those in internal organs. The central nervous and peripheral system work in enhancing survival every day. This allows living organisms to use their body safely and healthily.
References
Baulieu, E. E. (1997). Neurosteroids: of the nervous system, by the nervous system, for the nervous system. Recent progress in hormone research, 52, 1.
Furness, J. B. (2006). The enteric nervous system (Vol. 13, p. 274). Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Pub.