The nervous system is one the major human body systems consisting of networks of neurons and supporting cells (glia). It is responsible for the life function of regulation. The nervous system maintains homeostasis by controlling organs and body systems. Sensory receptors pick up changes in the external environment. Signals are then sent through the spinal cord and nerves to the brain, where the message is interpreted and a response is formulated. Then the brain sends out a signal to counteract the change. This brings the body back to the normal condition, thus maintaining homeostasis. Heartbeat, breathing, and involuntary muscle movements are caused by processes within the nervous system. The nervous system is also responsible for the fight-or-flight response, as well as a relaxation response. These two responses can counteract each other. For example, if a person was to get scared, the fight-or-flight response would cause his or her heart to beat faster. However, the relaxation response would slow down the heartbeat, bringing the body back to its original condition. The nervous system also plays a role in feedback mechanisms. The brain will tell the body to shiver or sweat to keep body temperature around 98.6 degrees.
All the body systems work together in order to maintain proper functioning. Although each body system has its own specific functions, they are all dependent on one another. The nervous system controls various parts of the body. The brain receives information from different organs and responds to these signals to keep an organism healthy. The skeletal system and the nervous system are interconnected in many ways. The skull protects the brain and vertebrae protect the spinal cord. Bones also provide calcium that is needed to keep the nervous system running correctly. Sensory receptors can be found between the joints of bones and send signals to the brain about how the body is positioned. Finally, the brain regulates the position of bones by controlling muscles. Another example of body systems working together would be the relationship between the nervous system and the digestive system. The digestive system sends sensory information to the brain. Digestive processes synthesize the building blocks for some neurotransmitters. Additionally, the nervous system controls the muscles of the digestive tract, as well as the muscles used for eating. The nervous system also regulates drinking and eating behavior. Without these relationships, none of the body systems could work on their own.
All the body systems work together in order to maintain proper functioning. Although each body system has its own specific functions, they are all dependent on one another. The nervous system controls various parts of the body. The brain receives information from different organs and responds to these signals to keep an organism healthy. The skeletal system and the nervous system are interconnected in many ways. The skull protects the brain and vertebrae protect the spinal cord. Bones also provide calcium that is needed to keep the nervous system running correctly. Sensory receptors can be found between the joints of bones and send signals to the brain about how the body is positioned. Finally, the brain regulates the position of bones by controlling muscles. Another example of body systems working together would be the relationship between the nervous system and the digestive system. The digestive system sends sensory information to the brain. Digestive processes synthesize the building blocks for some neurotransmitters. Additionally, the nervous system controls the muscles of the digestive tract, as well as the muscles used for eating. The nervous system also regulates drinking and eating behavior. Without these relationships, none of the body systems could work on their own.
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