Nervous system: division, function and disorder of nervous system

Introduction

The nervous system is an intricate web of cells, tissues, and organs that is crucial to the control and synchronisation of bodily processes. Along with other things, it is in charge of regulating sensation, movement, cognition, and behaviour. The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are the two primary divisions of the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are part of the CNS, and all of the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body are part of the PNS. We shall go into great detail on the anatomy and operation of the nervous system in this post.

Structure of the Nervous System

1. On the basis of cell
Neurons and glial cells make up the two different cell types that make up the nervous system. Specialised cells called neurons use electrical and chemical impulses to relay information. They serve as the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system and are in charge of communicating with other cells. On the other hand, glial cells support and safeguard neurons. They have a role in controlling neuronal activity as well.

2. On the basis of location and function
The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are the other divisions of the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are part of the CNS, and all of the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body are part of the PNS.

A) Central Nervous System (CNS):

The body's command centre is the central nervous system (CNS). It processes the information it gets from the senses to produce a reaction. The brain and spinal cord make up the CNS. All bodily functions are managed by the brain, which makes up the majority of the CNS. The cerebellum, brainstem, and cerebrum make up its three primary sections.

a) Brain

The brain, which serves as the nervous system's command centre, controls and coordinates all bodily operations. The cerebellum, brainstem, and cerebrum make up its three primary sections. movement, sensation, cognition, and homeostasis, each has particular roles.
cerebrum
The greatest portion of the brain, the cerebrum, is in charge of managing awareness, memory, language, and cognition. The left hemisphere and the right hemisphere make up its two halves. The right hemisphere is in charge of creativity, intuition, and emotions, whereas the left hemisphere is in charge of language, logic, and analytical thinking.
brainstem
The portion of the brain that links the brain to the spinal cord is known as the brainstem. It is in charge of regulating vital bodily processes including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
cerebellum
The area of the brain in charge of posture, balance, and movement coordination is known as the cerebellum.

b) Spinal cord

The spinal cord, which connects the brainstem to the lower back, is a long, slender structure that resembles a tube. It is in charge of sending messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The spine's vertebrae are there to safeguard it.

B) Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All of the nerves that link the CNS to the rest of the body are a part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system are the two primary divisions of the PNS.

a) Somatic nervous system

The somatic nerve system is in charge of regulating sensation and free will movement. It contains all of the nerves that supply energy to the skin, joints, and skeletal muscles.

b) Autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system is in charge of managing automatic processes including breathing, digestion, and heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system make up the other two divisions.
sympathetic nervous system
The "fight or flight" reaction is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for the rise in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing that occurs when stress or danger is present.
parasympathetic nervous system
The "rest and digest" response is brought on by the parasympathetic nervous system. The reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing is caused by its activation during times of relaxation.

Function of the Nervous System

When it comes to controlling and coordinating bodily activities, the nervous system is absolutely essential. The nervous system performs several tasks, such as:

1. Sensory function: Through specialised cells known as sensory receptors, the nervous system is in charge of absorbing sensory information from the environment. These receptors pick up on stimuli like light, sound, touch, taste, and smell and translate them into neural impulses that are sent to the brain to be processed.

2. Motor function: Movements that are voluntary and involuntary are managed by the nervous system. While the sensory neurons provide the CNS with input to modify movement, the motor neurons in the CNS deliver signals to the muscles to begin movement.

3. Integration function: To develop appropriate behaviours, the nervous system combines sensory input with motor responses. The brain, where intricate information processing takes place, is where this integration happens.

4. Homeostatic function: The nervous system is in charge of keeping the interior environment of the body within a specific range of conditions, including body temperature, blood pressure, and PH. This function heavily relies on the autonomic nervous system.

5. Cognitive function: Thinking, learning, and remembering all fall under the category of cognition, which is controlled by the neurological system. These mental processes are carried out by the cerebrum, a section of the brain.

6. function: The nerve system is in charge of controlling emotions. The area of the brain that is most important for this function is the limbic system.

Disorders of the Nervous System

The quality of a person's life can be significantly impacted by nervous system disorders. Common nervous system problems include the following:

Neurodegenerative disorders: Cognitive impairment and mobility difficulties may occur from these illnesses, which are characterised by the gradual death of neurons in the brain. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease are a few examples of neurodegenerative illnesses.

Stroke: A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, which causes brain damage. Stroke signs and symptoms include numbness, weakness, and trouble speaking.

Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures are the hallmark of the neurological condition epilepsy. Seizures can range in severity from moderate to severe, and they can be brought on by a number of things, including heredity and brain damage.

Multiple sclerosis: A long-lasting autoimmune condition called multiple sclerosis damages the myelin sheath that covers neurons in the central nervous system. As a result, nerve signals are disrupted, which can cause a number of symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, and trouble walking.

Conclusion

The nervous system is an intricate web of cells, tissues, and organs that is crucial to the control and synchronisation of bodily processes. Along with other things, it is in charge of regulating sensation, movement, cognition, and behaviour. The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are the two major components of the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are part of the CNS, and all of the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body are part of the PNS. The quality of a person's life can be significantly impacted by nervous system disorders. As a result, it's critical to take care of the nervous system by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting help if you experience any neurological problem symptoms.