How does the Nervous System Work?

The nervous system is the most complex system in the human body, which is surrounded by a network of more than hundred million neurons, assisted by many glial cells. This system is also called as the communication system of the human body.

Functions of the Nervous System

This system functions as an autonomous entity in the body. The main purpose of this system is to receive information from the outside world and the body itself to make appropriate responses.

How the Nervous System Works?

This system works by sending signals to other parts of the body. In fact, this communication system of the body permits fast and specific communication between broadly spaced parts of the body. These functions of the nervous system are done by the action of millions of dedicated nerve cells. These cells are called neurons, and they are the basic functioning cells of the nervous system. These cells not only gather and process information but also generate proper response signals to the every part of the body.

Learn more about Functions of Neurons

Each single neuron generating many specialized connections, called synapses, with other neurons and other cells in the body.
In actual fact, neurons are unable to run directly from the outer region to the brain. Synapses act as junctions for neuron cells, and they allow nerve impulses to be merged into one or divided up for neurons. They assist neuron cells by passing nerve impulses to targeted destination. Low frequency nerve impulses are also filtered out by synapses.

Learn more about Structure of Neurons.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Anatomically, the nervous system has two subdivisions –

1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Functionally, the nervous system is divided into two systems –

1. Somatic Nervous System
2. Autonomic (Visceral) Nervous System

You might also like:
What are Neurons?
What is the Structure of Neurons?
What are the Functions of Neurons?

Resource and Further Reading:
Dr. Selim Reza (2001). Nervous Tissue and Nervous System. The Essential of Gross Anatomy and Histology, 10th Edition (pp 129-170). Dhaka: Essence Publications.