Muskan

· 08 Feb 2022

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Why is the Nervous System important?

The nervous system is the central processing unit that is responsible for functioning of the body. It is a complex system that controls, regulates, and coordinates body parts. It establishes communication between the brain and other body parts by transmitting electrical signals through neurons. It originates from one's brain and controls movements, thoughts & auto-responses to stimuli present in the environment. Furthermore, the nervous system also controls other processes and body systems like digestive, respiratory as well as reproductive system. Diseases, toxins, accidents & the natural aging are some of the major factors which deteriorate functioning of the system. Let us read ahead to understand the nervous system and its importance.

What is the nervous system?
Nervous system is a composite system consists of nerves and other cells which coordinate with different parts of the body with the help of sending nerve impulses.  It guides every bodily function like movement of limbs, muscles, etc. Furthermore, it facilitates more complicated processes like thinking, judging, decision making, memory and emotional responses. It also plays an important role in involuntary actions such as breathing, blinking, and blushing.

Why is the Nervous System important?
The nervous system directs all the bodily functions. Some of the important functions of nervous system are:
•    Body movements, coordination and balance
•    Thoughts, learning, feelings, and memory
•    Senses, including the way your brain reads what you hear, see, taste, feel and touch
•    Body processes, like puberty
•    Sleep, aging, and healing
•    Response to stressful conditions
•    Heartbeat & breathing patterns
•    Digestion, and how hungry & thirsty one feels.

The complex system is a command center for one's body. The network of nerves sends electrical signals from the brain to body parts and vice versa. Neurons receive stimuli from different senses and transmit signals to the brain. Our brain interprets information & controls the response to stimuli. It is similar to the network of electric wires in a circuit. Since, nervous system is closely associated with every function of human body, it is of utmost importance.

Parts of nervous system
The nervous system consists of 2 major sub-systems. Each sub-system consists of billions of cells called nerve cells or neurons.
●    Peripheral nervous system: This nervous system consists of numerous nerves which branch out from the CNS (Central Nervous System) to the whole of your body. The system relays information from the brain & spinal cord to other organs like legs, arms, and toes. The peripheral nervous system is further divided into:
a)    Autonomic nervous system: It controls the involuntary activities that you do such as heart beat, digestion, breathing, etc.
b)    Somatic nervous system: This system guides all the voluntary actions performed by human body.
●    Central nervous system: The brain & spinal cord constitute your central nervous system. The brain utilizes the nerves in sending messages to the other part of your body. Every nerve consists of a protective outer layer that's known as myelin. Myelin protects the nerve & helps in conveying the messages.

Common problems associated with the nervous system
•    Meningitis – inflammation to the membrane which covers the brain.
•   Epilepsy – Abnormal electric activity in the brain creating seizures.
•    Stroke – Interrupted blood supply to the brain.
•    Parkinson's disease – It is a degenerative disorder of the CNS that adversely affects our movement. The symptoms include shaking, rigidity, and difficulty in moving.  
•    Shingles – sensory nerves infection created by the varicella-zoster virus.





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