top of page
Writer's pictureMegha Patel
May 83 min read

Understanding the Nervous System


The Nervous system is a network of nerves and cells that aids communication between all parts of the body, which arranges functions and maintains your health. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves help to play a role in regulating the body and enabling everyday activities. The nervous system includes the central nervous system(CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system(PNS) connects the CNS to the rest of the body through sensory and motor nerves. 


Functions of the Nervous System


The main job of the nervous system is to send and receive messages from parts of your body to your brain. The nervous system controls bodily functions such as muscles, joints, and internal organs. It uses receptors to gather information, which is all over the body including your eyes, ears, skin, and other areas. These receptors collect information and send it to the nerves through the nervous system. The system ensures that other parts of the body are functioning properly including breathing and heartbeat. Other functions it can control are thoughts and emotions, movement and coordination, and brain growth.


Parts of the Nervous System 


Two main parts of the nervous system are the central and peripheral nervous systems. 


Central Nervous System 


The brain is the control center of the body, which processes sensory information, coordinating movement, and cognitive functions like memory, emotion, and reasoning. The brain is divided into sections including the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, thalamus, and hypothalamus, which all have unique functions. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and controls intelligence, emotions, speech, and the ability to feel and move. The cerebellum is in charge of controlling movements and maintaining balance and posture. The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The thalamus helps to move information throughout the lobes and controls movements and memory. The hypothalamus controls appetite, body temperature, thirst, and hormones that control other hormones in the pituitary gland.


Peripheral System 


The peripheral system has two main subsystems autonomic and somatic nervous systems. The automatic nervous system causes your brain to be controlled unconsciously without you thinking about it. It can control your heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The somatic nervous system is functions you control by thinking, which allows you to control movements and actions consciously. Together these systems help to manage senses, movements, and automatic functions. It is also divided into two branches sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic branch prepares the body to respond during stress or emergencies by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. The parasympathetic branch helps the body to relax and conserve energy by slowing heart rate, and reducing blood pressure.


 Conditions or Disorders that impact the Nervous System 


Some conditions that can occur are Epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. 


Multiple Sclerosis


Nerves have protective coverings called myelin, which help electrical signals travel quickly and efficiently. In multiple sclerosis, this protective myelin becomes lost slowly. When this happens the nerves can not send signals properly and the body has trouble sending signals to the brain. This can lead to symptoms like muscle spasms, and trouble with coordination and balance. 


Epilepsy 


It is a disorder where some neurons are sensitive and activate at the smallest change. It can cause symptoms like loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, weakness, and seizures. 


Alzheimer's Disease


It can impact the nervous system through the death of neuron cells in the brain, which can cause brain shrinkage. This can lead to a loss of brain tissue, which can impact your brain functions. The buildup of abnormal proteins such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles can interrupt neuron function and communication. Some early symptoms are memory loss, confusion, changes in behavior, and trouble with everyday tasks. 


Parkinson's Disease


Parkinson's can impact the nervous system by causing a depletion of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in controlling emotional, and movement responses. Parkinson's can cause symptoms like tremors, and bradykinesia, and impact balance and coordination. 


How are conditions affected by the nervous system treated 


Treatments for various nervous system issues can vary depending on your condition and the severity. One way to get treatment is by taking medication like anticonvulsants, which are used to treat epilepsy. Having physical and occupational therapy can help to improve mobility and balance for conditions of Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. You can get surgery to remove tumors, repair injuries, and deal with pressure on the brain or spinal cord. Getting counseling or joining a support group can help you to receive emotional support and care. 


How can I keep my nervous system healthy?


There are many ways that you can make sure your nervous system is healthy. One way is you can see your health provider frequently. You can maintain good health by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Another way is by contacting your healthcare provider if there are any sudden health changes.


Sources

bottom of page