Neurological Systems

The nervous system is an extraordinarily complex integrative network of nerve cells and pathways, responsible for controlling and coordinating all components of the body. Its primary components are the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and together, they serve as the major pathways in the body and the communication channels between the body parts and the brain. The nervous system can also be divided into two further components; the central and the peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and the spinal cord, is responsible for integrating the sensory input from the environment and processing the information to generate appropriate output. The peripheral nervous system (PNS), which consists of nerve cells, axons, dendrites and a variety of other tissues, is responsible for sending sensory signals from the body’s sensory organs to the brain and motor signals from the brain to the muscles. The nervous system is composed of a variety of neuron types and neurotransmitters, each serving their own unique purpose. The neurons transmit and carry messages from one region to another through electrochemical signals in a process called neuron transmission. Neurons come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are classified based on their shape and connectivity. Glial cells are also integral to the nervous system, supporting the neurons and providing insulation. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that govern the transmission of electrical and chemical signals between neurons. In many ways, the nervous system can be likened to a computer system; taking information in from the environment, processing it, and making decisions based on the outcome. Neural plasticity, a changeable property of neuron connections, allows the brain to modify existing connections and even create new ones as needed. It is this adaptability that allows a person to learn and remember things, and develop new skills.