Organisation of the Nervous System
The human nervous system is a complex network of interconnected structures that play a vital role in coordinating and regulating bodily functions.
Today, we will explore the different levels within the nervous system and how they interact with each other.
The illustration below, from this Anatomy & Physiology site, helped me a lot when I started studying, as it allowed me to map out the different levels and intricate links our beautiful nervous system.
Understanding the layers and structure of the nervous system and their interactions is crucial for comprehending how our bodies function.
Your nervous system consists of two main parts: your central nervous system and your peripheral nervous system:
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It serves as the command center, processing and integrating information received from the peripheral nervous system.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The peripheral nervous system is everything else that connects the CNS to the body. ie: all the nerves that travel to supply your face, arms, legs, organs etc.
It is further divided into two main components: the sensory (afferent) pathways and the motor (efferent) pathways.
Sensory (Afferent) Pathways: BODY TO BRAIN:
Sensory pathways transmit information from sensory receptors (such as those for touch, temperature, and pain) to the brain for processing and interpretation.Motor (Efferent) Pathways: BRAIN TO BODY:
Motor pathways transmit signals from the CNS to the muscles and glands, enabling voluntary and involuntary movements. Motor neurons carry these signals, allowing us to perform actions and respond to stimuli.
Motor pathways are further divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
i. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): INVOLUNTARY FUNCTIONS
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, maintaining internal balance (homeostasis), especially important when it comes to stress.
It consists of two divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic Nervous System: This division prepares the body for "freeze, fawn, fight or flight" responses during stressful situations. It increases heart rate, dilates blood vessels, and releases stress hormones, among other effects.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: In contrast, the parasympathetic division promotes "rest and digest" activities. It slows heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and enhances digestion and relaxation.
ii. Somatic Nervous System: VOLUNTARY FUNCTIONS
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements (skeletal muscle) and processes sensory information. It enables conscious actions, such as walking or speaking, and receives sensory input from the external environment.
Last but not least, the enteric nervous system (ENS)
A complex network of neurons located in the gastrointestinal tract, often referred to as the "second brain" due to its ability to regulate and control the digestive system independently of the central nervous system. The ENS plays a crucial role in coordinating various functions such as digestion, absorption, and movement of food along the digestive tract.
(GASP FOR AIR) 😂👏🏼
I know that was a lot, however over the next few weeks I’ll be delving into each area individually to help you gain a better understanding.
Mads x