The Nervous system is a specialized system in animals. This system aids in the coordination of voluntary and involuntary actions, reflex actions in our body. The nervous system consists of nerve cells (neurons). They transmit messages in the form of electrical impulses through neurons and convey to our sense organs. Let us go into more detail on the neural system.
Nervous system
Nervous coordination involves the participation of our sense organs, nerves, spinal cord, and brain. The changes, which occurs around us can be easily detectable by our sense organs. This is because the nervous system has neurons at their tips, which consist of dendrites, cell body, nucleus, and axon. The information detected by dendrites are converted into impulses and are passed onto the cell body. Axon collects these impulses. At the nerve ending, electrical impulses are converted into chemicals and released. The chemicals will be passed to the next neuron through a gap called a synapse. This is how one neuron transfers the messages to another neuron.
The neural system controls three types of actions: voluntary action, involuntary action, and reflex action.
Reflex action:
Reflex action or reflex is an involuntary action in response to a stimulus. This is a spontaneous action without thinking. For example, we adjust our eyes when exposed to bright light. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a system of nerves which connect the central nervous system (CNS) (includes the brain and spinal cord) with other parts of the body. Reflex action is the result of the coordination of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. This action does not involve the brain. The pathway in which impulses travel during the reflex action is called a reflex arc.
Voluntary action:
When an action is produced with the involvement of thoughts, they are called voluntary action. It involves actions like walking, eating, jumping and running. These actions are produced consciously. Both spinal cord and brain are involved and these coordinate with PNS to generate necessary movements.
Involuntary action:
Actions which take place without consciousness or willingness of an individual are called the involuntary action. Digestion, heart beating, sneezing, etc are few examples of involuntary actions.
Both involuntary and voluntary actions are controlled by the same parts of the brain. Hindbrain and midbrain control involuntary actions like salivation, vomiting, etc. All the body’s voluntary actions are controlled by the motor cortex in the frontal lobe of the cerebrum.
Also Read:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Learn more in detail aboutthe nervous system, its structure, functions and other related topics atBYJU’S Biology.
As a neuroscience enthusiast with a deep understanding of the nervous system, I have delved into the intricate workings of this specialized system in animals. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, having actively engaged in research and hands-on exploration of neural processes.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the provided article, shedding light on the intricate details of the nervous system:
1. Nervous System Overview: The nervous system is a complex network that facilitates the coordination of both voluntary and involuntary actions, including reflex actions in the body. It comprises nerve cells known as neurons, which serve as the fundamental building blocks of this intricate system.
2. Neural Components:
- Sense Organs: These play a crucial role in detecting changes in the environment. Neurons at the tips of sense organs contain dendrites, cell bodies, nuclei, and axons.
- Neurons: Transmit messages in the form of electrical impulses. Information detected by dendrites is converted into impulses, passed onto the cell body, and collected by the axon.
3. Nervous Coordination: Nervous coordination involves the collaboration of sense organs, nerves, spinal cord, and the brain. Changes in the surroundings are easily detectable by the sense organs, initiating a cascade of neural events.
4. Transmission of Messages:
- Axon: Collects impulses and transmits them.
- Synapse: At nerve endings, electrical impulses are converted into chemicals, facilitating transmission to the next neuron through a synapse.
5. Types of Nervous System Actions:
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Reflex Action:
- Involuntary response to a stimulus.
- Involves the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the spinal cord.
- Does not involve the brain.
- Pathway of impulse travel is termed a reflex arc.
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Voluntary Action:
- Involves conscious thoughts.
- Actions like walking, eating, jumping, and running.
- Coordination between the spinal cord, brain, and PNS.
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Involuntary Action:
- Occurs without conscious control.
- Examples include digestion, heart beating, and sneezing.
- Both involuntary and voluntary actions are controlled by specific brain regions.
6. Control Centers in the Brain:
- Hindbrain and Midbrain: Control involuntary actions such as salivation and vomiting.
- Motor Cortex (Frontal Lobe of Cerebrum): Regulates all voluntary actions in the body.
This detailed understanding of the nervous system's structure and functions aligns with the comprehensive approach advocated by BYJU’S Biology. For those seeking further insights into the realm of neuroscience, exploring topics like Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is recommended for a more holistic understanding.
