The importance of the human nervous system derives from the infinity of functions that it fulfills. This system is composed of a series of elements that work to maintain the stability of the human body.
We have the brain , which contains cells that coordinate the activities of the body: neurons. There is also the spinal cord , which allows the transmission of sensory and motor impulses.
These are just a few examples of the functions that are nervous system . However, if you look for the importance of the combined system, then you have to talk about the general functions.
The nervous system has a primary function: to collect and transmit information about the state of the body. This is very important because it allows attention to the situation of the body itself.
Suppose we cut ourselves with a knife. Nerves send this information to the brain through the spinal cord.
The brain interprets the message and sends a response (the pain), so that we realize what has happened and pay attention to the wound.
Reasons why the nervous system is important
The various reasons explaining the relevance of the human nervous system will be explored below.
1- Sensations
The human nervous system is of great importance as it is responsible for receiving and transmitting information about the body and the environment that surrounds it.
This is done through stimuli, which are recorded by the five main senses: taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing.
Thanks to this, human beings are aware of the state of our body and we can take care of it.
For example, if someone has a stone in the shoe, this information is received by the sensors on the skin that record changes in pressure. These data are transmitted to the brain where they are interpreted. Subsequently, a response is sent.
2- Answers
The nervous system produces responses taking into account the stimuli received. This function is relevant since it allows the human being to act according to the situation.
Let's continue with the example of the stone in the shoe. Upon receiving the information from the receptors, the brain sends a response to make the body notice the invader.
Such response occurs in the form of discomfort generated by the pressure exerted by the object on the nerve. Thus, we will know that there is an inconvenience and we can act accordingly (for example, removing the stone).
The responses of the nervous system can be of two types: voluntary and involuntary. The example of stone is a sign of voluntary response.
An example of an involuntary response is sweating. When it is hot, the nervous system generates sweating to refresh the body.
3- Integration of data on stimuli
The stimuli received by the sensory structures are stored in the nervous system, where they are integrated with the information transmitted by other stimuli.
In this way, a kind of database is created in which three important elements are registered: the sensation, the cause of this and the answer that was given. Thanks to this we can compare current stimuli with previous stimuli.
For example, the first time you have a stone in the shoe, it is not known what the agent causing the pressure. Once the information has been integrated, the person can recognize that it is a stone or a similar object even if you are not seeing it.
4- Coordination and control of body functions
The nervous system is in some way the head of the human body, since it is in charge of coordinating and controlling the functions of this. Any action performed by a body structure depends on the nervous system to be effective.
Breathing, digestion, secretion of hormones, blood circulation, sweating and movement are some examples of processes that are regulated by the nervous system. A failure in this system would generate errors in these processes.
5- Reflections
The nervous system controls the reflexes, which are involuntary actions that respond to certain stimuli.
The reflexes are important because they allow to act quickly to determined situations, allowing to defend the organism or to maintain the vital functions.
Some examples of reflexes are respiratory and digestive movements. Also the eyelid reflex (which activates the muscles of the eyelids when an object approaches the eyes) and pupillary (dilates or contracts the pupil according to the intensity of light).
6- Nerves
As the name implies, the nervous system is composed of a network of nerves. These are of importance for two reasons: for their function and for the establishment of connections.
Function
Depending on the function they perform, they can be sensitive, motor or mixed. The sensory nerves involved in collecting information from all parts of the body, provided they have not been compromised.
The motor nerves allow to control the movements of the body. Finally, the mixed nerves can perform both functions.
Connections
Nerves connect all parts of the body to the nervous system. In this sense, we find brain and spinal nerves.
The former connect the brain to the structures above the neck, while the latter depart from the spinal cord to the other areas of the body.
There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. These include olfactory, optic, motor-ocular, auditory, facial and glossopharyngeal.
On the other hand, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves. These connect the spinal cord to the skin, muscles and organs.
7- Homeostasis
The homeostasis is the process through which the stability of the body is achieved. This process occurs thanks to the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for producing involuntary responses in the individual.
Sweating and chills are examples of homeostasis. Both are responses to changes in temperature in the environment and in the body. If it is hot, stability is achieved by sweating. But if it is cold, homeostasis is achieved by chills.
References
- Human nervous system. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from britannica.com
- Functions of the human nervous system. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from britannica.com
- Nervous System: Facts, Function & Diseases. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from livescience.com
- Basic Structure and Function of the Nervous System, Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from opentextbc.ca
- Functions of the Nervous System. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from news.medical.net
- Nervous system health and function. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from mansfieldchiropractic.com
- How Important Is Your Nervous System? Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from chiropracticlifeblog.com