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The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions of the body, including the activities of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands such as sweat and salivary glands. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which regulate the body's fight or flight response and rest and digest functions, respectively.
The sympathetic nervous system increases energy availability and prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and bronchodilation, while decreasing intestinal peristalsis. This response is crucial for survival in threatening situations.
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It plays a key role in processing information and coordinating responses throughout the body.
Neurons are the most essential elements of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body. They consist of dendrites that receive information, a cell body that contains the nucleus, and an axon that sends impulses to other neurons or target tissues.
The myelin sheath is a protective covering around the axon of a neuron that facilitates the rapid transmission of electrical impulses. Damage to the myelin sheath can lead to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, where impulse transmission is impaired.
The main sections of the brain include the cerebrum (responsible for higher cognitive functions), cerebellum (coordinates balance and movement), and brainstem (controls autonomic functions such as breathing). The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to serious complications, including neurological damage, due to increased pressure and potential infection in the CNS.
The peripheral nervous system connects the CNS to the limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It includes sensory and motor neurons that relay information to and from the CNS.
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and sensory information from the skin and muscles, while the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions of internal organs and glands, operating without conscious control.
The cerebellum, often referred to as the 'little brain,' is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining posture, and balance. It processes information from the sensory systems and other parts of the brain to fine-tune motor activity.
Damage to the spinal cord can result in loss of sensation, motor control, and autonomic function below the site of injury. This can lead to paralysis, loss of reflexes, and impaired bodily functions, depending on the severity and location of the damage.
The brainstem is essential for survival as it controls vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It serves as a critical pathway for impulses between the brain and spinal cord.
Ganglia are structures containing nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system. They serve as relay points for transmitting signals between neurons and play a crucial role in processing information in the peripheral nervous system.
The structure of a neuron, including dendrites for receiving signals, a cell body for processing information, and an axon for transmitting impulses, is specifically designed to efficiently communicate information throughout the nervous system.
Degeneration of the myelin sheath can lead to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, where the transmission of electrical impulses is disrupted, resulting in symptoms like muscle weakness, coordination problems, and sensory disturbances.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates around the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning from impact, maintaining intracranial pressure, and serving as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange between the brain and blood.
Cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain and primarily control functions in the head and neck, while spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord and innervate the rest of the body, including limbs and trunk.