THE NERVOUS SYSTEM - OVERVIEW The nervous system includes all the neural tissue in the body.

Neural tissue contains 2 kinds of cells:

1. neurons: the cells that send and receive signals 2. neuroglia (glial cells): the cells that support and protect the neurons

The organs of the nervous system include: - the brain - the spinal cord - sensory receptors of sense organs (eye, ears, etc.) - the nerves that connect the nervous system with other systems For descriptive purposes, the nervous system may be subdivided in two ways: (A) (B) Topographically Functionally

(A) Topographical divisions The nervous system has 2 major topographical divisions. These are: (i) the Central Nervous System (CNS) (ii) the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) The central nervous system (CNS) consists of (i) the spinal cord and (ii) the brain. These structures contain neural tissue, connective tissues and blood vessels. The CNS is responsible for processing and coordinating the following:
1. Sensory data from inside and outside the body. 2. Motor commands that control activities of peripheral organs

such as the skeletal muscles.

3. Higher functions of the brain such as intelligence, memory,

learning and emotion.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all neural tissue outside the CNS. The PNS is responsible for the following:
1. Delivering sensory information to the CNS

2. Carrying motor commands to peripheral tissues and systems Sensory information and motor commands in the PNS are carried by bundles of axons [(with their associated connective tissues and blood vessels)] called peripheral nerves. These consist of two groups: 1. Cranial nerves - which are connected to the brain 2. Spinal nerves - which are attached to the spinal cord (B) Functional Divisions The Peripheral Nervous System can be separated into 2 functional divisions: (i) The Afferent Division. This carries sensory information from sensory receptors of the PNS to the CNS. Receptors include neurons or specialized cells that detect changes or respond to stimuli, and complex sensory organs such as the eyes and ears. (ii) The Efferent Division. This carries motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands. The cells or organs that respond to efferent signals by performing an activity are called Effectors. The efferent division can be further subdivided into 2 parts. These are: (a) The Somatic Nervous System (SNS). This controls skeletal muscle contractions and reflexes. In addition, it consists of nerves that carry conscious sensations from peripheral regions back to the CNS. (b) The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). This controls subconscious actions, such as contractions of smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, and glandular secretions. The ANS can also be separated into 2 divisions. These are: (i) Sympathetic Division (ii) Parasympathetic Division