Understanding the Function of the Nervous System in Humans

The nervous system is a complex network that has an important role to regulate every activity in the body. Some functions of the nervous system that you often hear are to think, see, move, to regulate various body organs. The complex nervous system can be divided into two large groups, namely the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system consists of the somatic and autonomic nervous system. Both of these systems work together to control all activities in the body, both conscious and unconscious.

Nervous System Parts in Humans

In general, the nervous system consists of several parts, namely the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells (neurons). The functions of these parts are interconnected with one another. The following is the explanation:

Brain

The brain is the control center whose job is to regulate all functions in the body, from movement, secretion or secretion of hormones, thinking or cognitive abilities, sensations, to emotions.

Spinal cord

The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system. Some stimuli that are reflex can cross the spinal cord without passing through the brain.

Nerve cells (neurons)

Neurons are work units of the central nervous system. Consists of 12 cranial nerves, all spinal nerves, and branches. Its function is as a conduit of information in the form of stimuli or impulses. With the presence of these nerve cells, both the organ and the motion system can respond accordingly.

The function of the nervous system in humans

After knowing the general parts of the nervous system, you need to recognize the functions of the nervous system. The main function is to receive, process and deliver stimuli from all organs. This function will work well if there is coordination between sensory functions, regulatory functions, and motor functions. In addition, if further elaborated, the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system have the following functions:

Central nerve system

The central nervous system controls all regulation and processing of stimuli, ranging from regulating thoughts, movements, emotions, breathing, heart rate, release of various hormones, body temperature, to coordination of all nerve cells to carry out regulatory functions in the body.

Peripheral nervous system

The main function of the peripheral nervous system is to receive stimuli and deliver all responses that have been processed by the central nervous system. This system consists of several functions and parts, namely:

• Sensory function

This part serves to receive every stimulus or impulse, both from outside and inside the body. Stimulation received can be in the form of light, temperature, smell, sound, touch, pressure.

• Motor function

Motor part has a role to give response or body reaction to stimulation that has been processed by the central nervous system.

• Somatic function

In addition to these two functions, the peripheral nervous system also manages the responses of all activities that are not realized, such as flight-or-fight responses and the opposite. For example, when experiencing a threat, the body will respond to this situation by accelerating the pulse rate, increasing the frequency of breathing, and increasing blood flow. After the situation that feels threatening has been resolved, the body will return the response to normal conditions.

Certain diseases, such as concussions, meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer, can cause disruption of the functioning of the central nervous system. The nervous system has a very important function for the body. Therefore, if you experience symptoms related to the nervous system, you should immediately consult a doctor to ascertain the cause and get the right treatment.