Nervous system
Functions of the nervous system
The nervous system performs three functions:
- sensation - it analyses sensory information from the external environment or the body itself
- integration - some information is stored and decisions are made about responses to sensory information
- response - motor responses are brought about, initiating muscular contractions or secretions from glands
Parts of the nervous system
The human nervous system consists of:
- central nervous system (CNS) – the brain and spinal cord
- peripheral nervous system – nerve cells that carry information to or from the CNS
The peripheral nervous system can be further split into two parts:
- somatic nervous system (SNS) - responsible for concious perception and voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
- autonomic nervous systems (ANS) - responsible for involuntary control of the body, including glandular secretions, maintaining organ systems and reflex movement of skeletal muscles