Nervous system

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Nervous system
The nervous system is a network of specialized cells that conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain in response to chemical signals. Using these impulses, the nervous system directs every action within the body, both voluntary and involuntary. The chemical signals that allow the nervous system to function are called neurotransmitters. The system is divided into the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord out to all of the tissues. Main image: Chemical synapse, National Institute on Aging, U.S. NIH Thumbnail image: Astrocytes, Karin Pierre, Institut de Physiologie, France An overview on the human nervous system by Jose Juan Gutierrez The nervous system is the control center for all the processes occurring inside and outside of the human body , including all mental activity, such as learning, thinking, and memorizing. The nervous system monitors the organs, controls the movements... More> Structure and function of the nervous system by Tarek Musslimani In this article, I will give general features in the anatomy and function of the nervous system briefly. Anatomically speaking, the nervous system is divided to a central part and a peripheral part. The central part of the nervous system... More>
	How to tell your spouse that he/she is getting on your nerves by R. Renee Bembry How To Tell Your Spouse That They’re Getting On You Nerves “Honey... You’re getting on my nerves!” No matter how you tell your spouse he or she is getting on your nerves, the end result will likely sound like an insult to you... More> Symptoms of nerve damage by Dr Pandula Siribaddana Nerve damage can be of many varieties. The damage can extend from a mild nerve compression which is reversible within hours to a complete severance of the nerve thus eliminating the possibility of regaining the lost function. Causes of nerve damage:... More> Google Images
The nervous system in human anatomy by Tarek Musslimani The nervous system is divided into central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which includes all other parts of the nervous system except the brain and spinal cord. The brain has over 10 billio... More> Basic components of the human nervous system by Jose Juan Gutierrez The human nervous system is a communication network of neurons (nerve cells) which serve to conduct a variety of messages to and from various parts of the body. There are two distinct types of nerve tissues: neurons which are the basic structural un... More> Major Peripheral Nerves Twelve pairs of cranial nerves serve the head, emerging directly from the brain. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves serve the peripheral tissues, emerging directly from the spinal cord and named for their vertebral position. The major peripheral nerves and the spinal nerves that contribute: Phrenic (spinal nerves C3-C5) - serves the diaphragm for breathing Radial and Median (C5-C8, T1), Ulnar (C8, T1) - various parts of the skin and muscles of the arms, hands, and fingers Intercostal (T2-T12) - abdominal muscles, skin on the trunk, and the intercostal (rib and chest) muscles Femoral (L2-L4) and Sciatic (L4-S3) - skin and muscles in the thighs, legs, and feet
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Quick Facts

Basic cell: Neuron

Function: Controls body functions and actions

Anatomic location: Central nervous system - head and spine, peripheral nervous system - throughout the body

Associated medical term: Neurological

Primary organ: Brain

Example neurotransmitters: Serotonin, dopamine

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The Human Body: Nervous System

Explore the nervous system, the biochemical communications network of the human body, through a series of animated sequences that trace the structure of neurons and illuminate biochemical impulses.

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