Functions Of The Nervous System Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Functions Of The Nervous System?

The nervous system is an intricate and complex network of specialized cells that coordinate the functions of the body. It is responsible for controlling and coordinating both voluntary and involuntary actions, such as thought, movement, sensation, learning, memory and emotions. The nervous system performs essential tasks for the body including sending messages to the brain about what is happening in the environment; responding to stimuli; initiating muscle movements; regulating endocrine glands; controlling consciousness and awareness; influencing behavior; and regulating homeostasisthe maintenance of a stable internal environment.The nervous system consists of two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord while the PNS consists of all other nerve fibers that connect to muscles, organs, skin cells, glands, etc. Together these two systems help maintain communication between different parts of your body so it can respond appropriately to changes in its environment. The main functions of the nervous system include: 1) Sensory Input Receiving external stimulus from its environment such as smell or light signals through sensory receptors located within nerve cells. This information is then sent along nerves to be processed by centers in the brain or spinal cord for further processing before being sent back out into other parts of your body as a response or action. 2) Integration Processing large amounts of information from different sources in order to make decisions about how best to respond appropriately or carry out tasks efficiently. 3) Motor Output Sending commands from your brain down nerves which are received by muscles in order to move them accordingly resulting in physical actions such as lifting an arm or walking forward. 4) Homeostasis Regulating various bodily processes such as temperature control, blood pressure balance and digestion so they remain within normal operational ranges even when faced with varying external conditions.