From Neurons to Synapses: How Does the Nervous System Work?

The nervous system serves as the command center of the body. It is a complex collection of neurons and serves to relay signals to various body parts. In essence, this system is the electrical wiring of the body.

Nervous System

Live Science notes that, in terms of structure, there are two components of the nervous system.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the first one, the central nervous system (CNS), comprises the spinal cord and the brain. The brain utilizes nerves to relay signals to other body parts. Each nerve is covered in myelin, which serves as a protective external layer. Myelin helps with nerve insulation and ensuring that signals are relayed.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS), on the other hand, covers the ganglia (neural clusters), sensory nerves, and nerves that link with each other and to the CNS. This system helps in relaying the message from the brain and spinal cord to the toes, fingers, legs, arms, and other organs. The PNS also contains the somatic nervous system, which manages movements that are voluntary, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls movements that take place without conscious effort.

Nerves and Neurons

Nerves and neurons are vital components of the nervous system. Nerves are cylinder-shaped fiber bundles that start from the brain and central cord and branch towards other body parts.

Neurons, on the other hand, transmit messages to other cells via axons, which are thin fibers. These axons cause the release of neurotransmitters at synapses, Live Science explains.

On average, there are more than 100 trillion neural connections in the typical human brain. However, the location and exact number could vary. Interestingly, a study from the PNAS discovered that, among 160 participants, the brains of highly creative individuals had more connections in three particular brain regions compared to those of thinkers who were less creative.

Synapses, on the other hand, command the cell. The full transmission process takes just a fraction of a millisecond to be completed. Signals move through the spinal cord's alpha motor neuron at a speed of 268 mph. Live Science notes that this is the fastest transmission that can be found within the human body.

Motor neurons situated in the peripheral ganglia or the CNS send signals for gland or muscle activation. Glial cells, on the other hand, are cells that nourish, protect, and support nerve cells, the Oregon Institute of Health and Science University explains.

Sensory neurons respond to physical stimuli, including touch, sound, and light. They then relay feedback to the CNS regarding the surrounding environment of the body.

While there is still so much more to the nervous system, all of these work together to ensure that the body's command center is managing the body and relaying necessary signals.

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