Parts of the Nervous System

Introduction
The nervous system is responsible for regulating and coordinating the activities of all systems of the body. It is
divided into two parts: the Central Nervous System (CN), which includes the brain and the spinal cord: and the
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which is composed of nerves that connect the CNS to other parts of the body.
The brain is the primary component of the central nervous system contained within the skull. It weighs about
1.4 kilograms. It is the master control of the body. The brain is our body’s computer. It is composed of the cerebrum,
cerebellum, and the brain stem.
The spinal cord extends from the brain stem down to the lower part of the backbone. A bony vertebra that
comprises the vertebral column protects it. The spinal cord is just as thick as a finger. It is made up of a gray matter
which contains the nerve fibers. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord. It is the link between the
brain and the nerves.
The neuron is the functional unit of the nervous system. Neurons have three parts: dendrites, cell body and
axon. Each neuron is a separate cell, but neurons are usually grouped together in a bundle called nerve. Neurons or
nerves transmit impulses from one neuron to another. Once neurons are destroyed, they cannot be repaired.
Functions of the Organs of the Nervous System
. The brain is the master control of the body. It is your body’s computer. It receives information from the
internal organs such as the heart, intestines and from the sense organs – eyes, ears, tongue, skin and nose. It helps
organize and controls all the actions and processes of the body. The brain makes us conscious, emotional and smart.
It is the control center for movement, sleep, thirst, hunger and other vital activity necessary for survival. It controls all
human emotions. The brain is composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brain stem. The cerebrum is the
largest part of the brain. It is responsible for the higher thought processes such as memory, judgment, and reason.
The cerebellumis responsible for balance, posture, and muscle coordination and the brain stem controls the controls
the involuntary activities like digestion and heartbeat and breathing.
The spinal cord extends from the brain stem down to the buttock region. It allows signals to be sent from the
brain to the other parts of the body. It also receives messages from the different parts of the body to the brain. The
spinal cord acts as the connection between the brain and other parts of the body. An impulse from the nerves first
enters the spinal cord before it is carried to the brain for processing. Likewise, an outgoing impulse from the brain
travels first to the spinal cord and then out to the parts of the body along the nerves. It is like a telephone line entering
a computerized system. It is also involved in reflexes that do not immediately involve the brain.
The nerves are the bundles of neurons fibers. The neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. They
transmit impulses from one neuron to another. There are two types of nerves that carry impulses; these are the
sensory nerves and the motor nerves. The sensory nerves carry impulses from the stimulus to the central nervous
system for processing. Motor nerves carry impulses from the central nervous system to activate the muscles in the
body.

Ailments of the Nervous System

The brain and the spinal cord are composed of very fragile tissue. The skull protects the brain and vertebrae
protect the spinal cord. These organs of the nervous system function well when healthy. However, once attacked by
diseases, once their supply of blood is reduced, or when they receive a violent impact, their welfare is endangered.
Diseases or ailments of the nervous system includeencephalitis, meningitis, rabies, epilepsy, poliomyelitis, cerebral
palsy, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumor, paralysis, hydrocephaly and Alzheimer disease.
Encephalitis
 Encephalitis is caused by the bite of a common mosquito which carries a virus. This virus destroys the gray
matter in the brain. The disease is also called “sleeping sickness” because it causes the person to fall into a coma. A
coma is a prolonged unconsciousness
Meningitis is caused by a kind of bacteria which infect the meninges- the protective layer of the brain and the spinal
cord.
Rabies A mad dog has the virus called the rabies When a person is bitten by a dog with rabies and the virus reached
the nervous system the person will die. The symptom that person is infected by rabies is fear of water.
Poliomyelitis or polio is caused by a virus which attacks the motor nerve cells near the spinal cord.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system. An attack of epilepsy is characterized by a violent shaking of the body
which lasts from 2 to 5 minutes. The muscles become tense. After the shaking, the epileptic person feels a headache
and becomes sleepy
Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to the central nervous system.
Parkinson’s Disease This disease occurs in older person. It affects the nervous system causing the arms and legs to
shake
Brain Tumor A person with tumor feels severe headache and can be removed by operation when detected early
Paralysis It is inability to move a part of the body due to nerve of muscle damage.
a.Quadriplegia It is the paralysis of the body from the neck down.
b. Paraplegia It is the paralysis of the lower body and legs.
Hydrocephaly It is characterized by the extreme enlargement of the head in newborns or infants due to impaired flow
of cerebrospinal fluid.
Alzheimer Disease It is characterized by failing memory and impaired thought processes.
Healthful Habits of the Nervous System
The nervous system is responsible for regulating and coordinating the activities of all systems of the body. We
need to take care of it to make the parts function well.
Some of the healthful habits that promote proper functioning of the nervous system are eating a well-balanced
diet, exercising regularly, getting enough rest and sleep, avoiding harmful substances such as drugs, tobacco,
alcoholic beverages, coffee and carbonated drinks, avoid inhaling poisonous fumes such as those from glue or paint,
and be mentally and emotionally happy
Wearing seatbelt when riding a motor vehicle and wearing helmet when playing sports or when riding a
motorbike reduce the risk of injuring the head in case of accident.