The nervous system is a complex network that has an important role in regulating every activity in the body. Some of the functions of the nervous system that you often hear about are to think, see, move, to regulate the work of various organs of the body.
The complex nervous system can be divided into two broad groups, namely the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system consists of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. These two systems work together to control all activities in the body, both conscious and unconscious.
Part Nervous System in Humans
In general, the nervous system consists of several parts, namely the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells (neurons). The functions of these parts are related to each other. Here is the explanation:
Brain
The brain is the control center whose job is to regulate all functions in the body, from movement, secretion or releasing hormones, thinking or cognitive power, sensation, to emotions.
spinal cord
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system. Some reflex stimuli can pass through the spinal cord without passing through the brain.
Nerve cells (neurons)
Neurons are the working unit of the central nervous system. Consists of 12 cranial nerves, all spinal nerves, and their branches. Its function as a conductor of information in the form of stimuli or impulses. With the presence of these nerve cells, both organs and movement systems can respond as they should.
Functions of the Nervous System in Humans
After knowing the general parts of the nervous system, you need to recognize the functions of the nervous system. The main function is to receive, process and convey stimuli from all organs. This function will work well if there is coordination between sensory function, regulatory function, and motor function.
In addition, if described further, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system have the following functions:
Central nerve system
The central nervous system controls all the regulation and processing of stimuli, starting from regulating thoughts, movements, emotions, breathing, heart rate, the release of various hormones, body temperature, to the coordination of all nerve cells to perform regulatory functions in the body.
Peripheral nervous system
The main function of the peripheral nervous system is to receive stimuli and transmit all responses that have been processed by the central nervous system. This system consists of several functions and parts, namely:
- Sensory functionThis part serves to receive every stimulus or impulse, both from outside and inside the body. Stimuli received can be in the form of light, temperature, smell, sound, touch, pressure.
- Motor functionThe motor part plays a role in responding to the body's response to stimuli that have been processed by the central nervous system. When affected by disorders, for example due to motor nerve disease, the body cannot move normally or even cannot move at all.
- somatic functionIn addition to these two functions, the peripheral nervous system also manages the responses of all involuntary activities, such as flight-or-fight and the opposite.For example, when experiencing a threat, the body will respond to the situation by increasing the pulse rate, increasing the respiratory rate, and increasing blood flow. After the threatening situation has been resolved, the body will return the response to normal conditions.
Certain diseases, such as concussion, meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer, can cause disturbances in the function of the central nervous system.
The nervous system has a very important function for the body. Therefore, if you experience symptoms related to the nervous system, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause and get the right treatment.