NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Nervous and endocrine system

Nervous and endocrine system

Introduction

The nervous system

The nervous system is defined as “a regulatory system of our body that is comprised of neurons, tissues, cells and different organs”. (Woods D. 1999, pp. 57-66)It is accountable for processing, receiving and sending nerve impulses right through our body. The nervous system is further classified in two different parts

The central nervous system also known as (CNS).

The peripheral nervous system commonly known as (PNS).

The central nervous system (CNS)

It is comprised of our Brain and the spinal cord. Neuron does the primary function of communication in the CNS.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The (PNS) system consists of many different nerves. It is primarily responsible for carrying these nerves through out our body.

The nerve structure

Dendrites receive inputs and carry them to the cell soma.

The cell soma is the main body of the cell and it contains the nucleus. The axon carries the signal to the target and some axons are surrounded by a Myelin sheath. (Woods D. 1999, pp. 57-66) Axonal membrane is not insulated at nodes of Ranvier, and therefore able of producing electrical activity.

Autonomic Nervous System

It controls the involuntary tasks such as certain features of heartbeat, respiration, digestion and blood pressure. The autonomic system is further categorized as

The Sympathetic

Parasympathetic systems

A simple reflex arc

A reflex arc is the neural pathway that mediates a reflex action and Simple reflex arcs are in place to guard our body from dangerous situations.

The Endocrine System

The Endocrine system is not a formal part of the nervous system but it plays an important role in communication all over our body. (Eaton, S. Cordain, 2002: pp. 7-18)This structure is composed of glands, which secrete chemical messengers recognized as hormones. Few significant endocrine glands are as follows

Adrenal gland

The adrenal glands are ...