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The nervous system is a network of specialized cells that communicate information about an animal's surroundings and itself. It processes this information and causes reactions in other parts of the body. It is composed of neurons and other specialized cells called glia, that aid in the function of the neurons. The nervous system is divided broadly into two categories: the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. Neurons generate and conduct impulses between and within the two systems. The peripheral nervous system is composed of sensory neurons and the neurons that connect them to the nerve cord, spinal cord and brain, which make up the central nervous system. In response to stimuli, sensory neurons generate and propagate signals to the central nervous system which then processes and conducts signals back to the muscles and glands. The neurons of the nervous systems of animals are interconnected in complex arrangements and use electrochemical signals and neurotransmitters to transmit impulses from one neuron to the next. The interaction of the different neurons form neural circuits that regulate an organism's perception of the world and what is going on with its body, thus regulating its behavior. Nervous systems are found in many multicellular animals but differ greatly in complexity between species.

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What happens to the Nervous System as you age?

Aging produces various structural and functional changes in the nervous system, including: reduction in brain size and weight, reduction in number of neurons, decrease in blood flow to brain, changes in synaptic organization of the brain, and intercellular and extracellular changes in CNS neurons.


Why nerves go weak with aging?

Nerves can weaken with age due to a decrease in the number of nerve cells and a decline in the insulation around nerves, leading to slower nerve conduction. Age-related factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced blood flow can also contribute to nerve damage and dysfunction over time. Additionally, aging can increase the risk of nerve-related conditions such as neuropathy or nerve compression.


Why does AIDS hurt so much?

The reason aids is so painful is because the virus shuts down your immune system by attacking your white blood cells which are basically your bodys "soldiers". Once it kills your white blood cells it attaches itself to your central nervous system and causes serious spikes within your nerve endings.


What makes up white matter?

White matter is mainly composed of nerve fibers called axons, which are covered by a fatty substance called myelin. These axons form connections between different parts of the brain and spinal cord, allowing for communication between neurons. White matter is responsible for transmitting signals and coordinating communication within the nervous system.


What is the difference between carpal tunnel and arthritis?

Carpal tunnel is the name of the anatomy of your wrist. If you are talking about the actual syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, it is caused by compression of the median nerve that runs through the "carpal tunnel" in your wrist. Arthritis is a general term that has to do with inflammation of a joint. This is where the joint surface becomes rough and therefore can cause pain as the 2 joint surfaces can no longer glide over each other.If someone has arthritis of the wrist bones, this may put them at risk for getting carpal tunnel syndrome because the nerve may have less space in the 'tunnel' and get crowded causing the compression of the median nerve. It is particularly prevalent in the case of rheumatoid arthritis as this is an inflammatory disease and the inflammation put extra pressure on the nerves passing through the carpel tunnel.

Related Questions

A bundle of nerve fibers?

The bundle of the nerve fibers is a collection of the threadlike extension of the nerve cell that consists of the myelin sheath and axon in the nervous system. There are nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.


Is nerve an example of an organ system?

No, a nerve is one part of an organ system--the nervous system.


Which life processes help with the nerve system?

sensitivity helps the nerve system


What are all the systems that nerve agents can affect?

Nerve agents affect the transmission of nerve impulses in your nervous system. Nerve agents can affect the central nervous system, the respiratory system as well as cholinergic nervous system.


What body system is the nerve cell in?

A nerve cell is part of the nervous system, a network of neurons that carry signals throughout the body.


What is the main part of the periphal nerve system?

The main part of the periphal nerve system


What is another name for the nerve system?

the nerve tissue


Is the vagus nerve sympathetic?

No. The vagus nerve is in the parasympathetic system


What are some parts of the frog's nervous system?

Olfactory nerve, Optic nerve, Nasal sack, Trigeminal nerve, Gasserian ganglion, Facial nerve, Auditory nerve, Tympanic membrane, Glossopharyngeal nerve, pneumogastric nerve, First spinal nerve, Branchial enlargement, Branchial nerve, Third spinal nerve, fourth spinal nerve, fifth spinal nerve, sixth spinal nerve, seventh spinal nerve, eighth spinal nerve, ninth spinal nerve, tenth spinal nerve, Femoral nerve, Sciatic nerve, Sympathetic nerve trunk, Lumbar enlargement, Sympathetic ganglia, and Filum terminale.


What nerve routes are followed by nerve impulses passing through the nervous system?

nerve pathways


Which nerve belongs to the peripheral nervous system A. Sciatic nerve B. Vagus nerve C. Optic nerve D. Trigeminal nerve?

sciatic


Does the peripheral nervous system have sensory nerve cells and motor nerve cells.?

Yes, the peripheral nervous system has both sensory and motor nerve cells