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The nervous system is very important because it relays all messages from the brain, which is the control center of the body, to the rest of the organs in the body. The nervous system is divided into two main systems much as the skeleton is divided into two main skeletons. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that is contained within the vertebral column. The peripheral nervous system is composed of all the nerves that deliver the messages sent down the spinal cord to the appropriate destination.

The nerves of the body are composed of cells called neurons (pictured left). Sensory neurons relay sensory information gathered from a certain part of the body back to the brain. Motor neurons send messages to the correct muscle or gland that needs to be stimulated. Interneurons are neurons that serve as relays between other neurons.

Each neuron has three main parts: the body, axon, and a number of dendrites. The axon is the part of a neuron that transfers the appropriate message, information on potential, to another nerve, muscle, or gland. When a message from the brain is sent down the spinal cord to a peripheral nerve and finally to its destination, a quick relay process is used to deliver the message. The message is sent throught the appropriate nerves by passing the information from neuron to neuron. When the first neuron receives the message, it immediately passes the information to the next neuron in line. This is achieved through the action of neurotransmitters, chemicals which allow the message from the brain to cross the synapse between cells. This process continues down the spinal cord and through the other nerves until the message reaches its destination. In the case of a reflex action, the message provided by the sensory neurons never actually gets processed by the brain, but is actually returned by the spinal cord with a certain pre-determined response. This process happens very quickly, but slows with age and other factors. The time which information takes to be sent to the brain by sensory receptors, processed by the brain, and to have the appropriate return message processed is commonly referred to as a person's reaction time.

Major Nerves of the Body:

  • Thoracic/Abdominal Region: 8 Cervical nerves

    12 Thoracic nerves

    5 Lumbar nerves

    5 Sacral nerves

  • Arms Musculocutaneous nerve

    Brachial plexus

    Median nerve

    Radial nerve

    Ulnar nerve

  • Pelvic Region/Legs: Sacral plexus

    Femoral nerve

    Sciatic nerve

    Common peroneal nerve

    Tibial nerve

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13y ago
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9y ago

The work of the nervous system is carried out by the brain and the spinal cord. The brain gives the orders to the nervous system which travels through the spinal cord to the various nerves and neurotransmitters.

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14y ago

the nervous system makes us humans concious of who we are.

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12y ago

To receive and interpete signals from the outside world

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9y ago

Regulation :)

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Q: What is the specific life function of the nervous system?
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What is a branch of the life sciences that deals with the structure and function of the nervous system called?

The branch of the life sciences which deals with the structure and function of the nervous system is called neuroscience.


The main function of the peripheral nervous system is to?

The primary function of the nervous system is to help maintain the life of the organism.It senses external and internal events, rememberspast events and consequences, assesses whether those events are likely to promote or diminish likelihood of survival, and initiates actions accordingly.


What is the full function of the nervous system?

Vertebrates have two nervous systems. The first is the central, which allows communication from the brain to the rest of the body. The peripheral nervous system sends signals from the rest of the body to the brain. Ultimately, this is required for any function of life in vertebrates, because without it, movement would be impossible.


What are three main functions of the nervous system?

Three main functions of the nervous system are:1. To receive sensory information from outside and inside the body;2. To store & to process that information;3. To cause actions relating to that information toward maintaining life.


How many people have no nervous system?

Zero None, life is imposible without a nervous system.


What is the level of organization characterized by a group of related tissues performing a function?

Body Systems such as the Nervous system and Cardiac system.


Does everbody have nerves?

The nervous system is an essential part of life. Therefore you will not find a person or an animal without a central nervous system


What are the structures that make up the nervous system?

Get a life? :D


Does Alcohol depresses the nervous system?

Yes, alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It slows down brain function and can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction times. In high doses, it can lead to respiratory depression and even coma.


Does the heart require ANS innervation in order to function?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that influences the function of internal organs.[1] The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. This system is the primary mechanism in control of the fight-or-flight response and the freeze-and-dissociate response.[2]


How do central nervous system stimulants affect the liver?

It is necessary to monitor liver function regularly in patients who take pemoline since this drug has been associated with life-threatening liver disease.


Does the nervous system have anything to do with cells?

Since life as we know it is cellular, any biological system has "anything to do" with cells :) Nervous system is no exception: it's tissues (e.g. brain) consist of heavily interlinked groups of cells, called neurons, which main function is creating and transporting neural impulses in different ways, involving complicated chemical and electro-chemical processes.