The Nervous System

The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that

carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of
the body. The nervous system helps all the parts of the body to
communicate with each other. It also reacts to changes both outside and
inside the body. The nervous system uses both electrical and chemical
means to send and receive messages.
 2 Main Parts of Nervous System
1. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and
spinal cord.

2. The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves that

branch out from the brain and spinal cord. These nerves
form the communication network between the CNS and the
body parts. The peripheral nervous system is further
subdivided into the somatic nervous system and the
autonomic nervous system.
 Nerve tissue is found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It is
responsible for coordinating and controlling many body activities. It
stimulates muscle contraction,
creates an awareness of the environment, and plays a major role in
emotions, memory, and reasoning.

Neurons are responsible for sending and receiving neurotransmitters

chemicals that carry information between brain cells. Neurons (also called
neurones or nerve cells) are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous
system, the cells responsible for receiving sensory input from the external
world, for sending motor commands to our muscles, and for transforming
and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between.
Each neuron has three basic parts: cell body (soma), one or more
dendrites, and a single axon.
 Cell body. Also known as a soma, the cell body is the core section of
the neuron. The cell body contains genetic information, maintains the
neuron's structure, and provides energy to drive activities.

 Dendrites receive input from many other neurons and carry those

signals to the cell body.

 Axons carry electrical impulses that are the means of communication

within the brain and between the brain and the rest of the body.

 Neuroglia cells are support cells, helping to support neurons to

enable them to thrive in their needed environment .