The Nervous System
The nervous system and the endocrine system control the vital functions of the body.
The responses to changes in internal and external environments are made possible
through either electrochemical messages transmitted to and from the brain or a series
of chemical messengers (hormones) carried by the blood.
Structures and Processes of the Nervous System
The nervous system plays a vital role in regulating body processes and structures to
maintain homeostasis.
● The nervous system has two major divisions:
○ Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord,
which integrate and process information sent by nerves.
○ Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes nerves that carry messages
to the CNS and nerves that transmit messages from the CNS to muscles
and glands (effectors).
● The peripheral nervous system can be further subdivided into the autonomic and
somatic systems.
○ Somatic System: Under voluntary control, responsible for the movement
of skeletal muscles.
○ Autonomic System: Controls involuntary processes such as glandular
secretions, smooth and cardiac muscle movements, and organ
functioning.
The nervous system and the endocrine system control the vital functions of the body.
The responses to changes in internal and external environments are made possible
through either electrochemical messages transmitted to and from the brain or a series
of chemical messengers (hormones) carried by the blood.
Structures and Processes of the Nervous System
The nervous system plays a vital role in regulating body processes and structures to
maintain homeostasis.
● The nervous system has two major divisions:
○ Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord,
which integrate and process information sent by nerves.
○ Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes nerves that carry messages
to the CNS and nerves that transmit messages from the CNS to muscles
and glands (effectors).
● The peripheral nervous system can be further subdivided into the autonomic and
somatic systems.
○ Somatic System: Under voluntary control, responsible for the movement
of skeletal muscles.
○ Autonomic System: Controls involuntary processes such as glandular
secretions, smooth and cardiac muscle movements, and organ
functioning.
