Nervous System: The Body’s Connection Network
It’s been such a pleasure writing the “Tour of the Body” series. I hope you’re learning and enjoying too! We continue from our endocrine system onto our nervous system, our body-wide network that ensures every part is connected, responsive, and balanced.
WHAT IS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM?
It’s an intricate network connecting every part of our body reaching every cell and tissue. It includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Together, they send and receive signals that allow the brain and body to communicate.
WHAT DOES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM DO?
Pretty much everything you can image! The nervous system impacts basic survival processes like breathing and heart rates, as well as how we move, how we experience our senses and even emotions... It allows us to adapt to our surroundings by tracking what’s happening within and around us, then generating responses. Some of these responses are automatic, like blushing or sweating, while others involve processing and creating memories, thoughts, and feelings.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The nervous system uses an amazing mix of electrical signals and chemical messengers to keep us connected.
Electrical Signals: Neurons (nerve cells) communicate through electrical signals called action potentials. These signals travel rapidly down the length of each neuron. Think of it like the "wave" that fans create at a stadium: each person quickly stands and sits, creating a ripple effect across the crowd. Similarly, each point along the neuron briefly changes charge, passing the action potential along without ions moving far.
Neurotransmitters: When an electrical signal reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers). These neurotransmitters travel across a tiny gap called the synapse, where they bind to receptors on the next neuron, muscle cell, or gland. Depending on the type of neurotransmitter and receptor, they can either excite or inhibit the next cell. This system allows the nervous system to fine-tune responses and control everything from movement to mood.
Together, this dual system of electrical and chemical signaling makes the nervous system highly efficient and adaptable, allowing it to coordinate complex functions like thinking, moving, and reacting to the world.
ANATOMY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system is made up of different types of neurons, each playing a unique role:
Motor Neurons: Carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to your muscles, helping you move. The also help us breath, speak, and swallow.
Sensory Neurons: Carry signals from your senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and vibe) to the brain.
Interneurons: Connect motor and sensory neurons, allowing for quick reactions-like flinching from a sudden movement. They also play a role in learning and memory.
There are two main divisions:
Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprising the brain and spinal cord, the CNS processes information and sends out instructions.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Extending from the spinal cord to every part of the body, the PNS includes specialized branches like the somatic nervous system (responsible for voluntary movements) and the autonomic nervous system (handling automatic actions, like heart rate and digestion). You may already be familiar with the autonomic system, as part of it is often referred to as our fight or flight system—more on that in our next post!
I'm excited to dive deeper into the nervous system with you in the coming weeks! We'll explore everything from how the body prepares for action with the "fight or flight" system, to how we find calm through "rest and digest." Together, we'll also uncover the gut-brain connection, examine the power of cranial nerves, and discover how different brain regions shape our thoughts, moods, and movements.
Here's a glimpse of what's coming:
The Autonomic Nervous System:
The Sympathetic Nervous System - "Fight or Flight"
The Parasympathetic System and the Vagus Nerve - "Rest & Digest"
The Enteric Nervous System - The Gut-Brain Connection
The Somatic Nervous System - Move & Sense
The Cranial Nerves - Pathways of Sensory and Motor Control
Brain Regions and Their Roles in Thought, Mood, and Movement
How the Nervous System Impacts Mental Health & Trauma Recovery
Craniosacral Therapy - Enhancing Nervous System Balance
Are there specific areas of the nervous system you're curious about? Drop a comment below, and I'll be sure to cover them as we journey through this incredible body-wide network!
