What are the main organs in nervous system and what their functions?
Main organs in the Nervous System and their functions:
1. Brain:
- Function: The brain is the primary organ of the nervous system and serves as the control center for the entire body. It coordinates all bodily functions, processes information, controls voluntary and involuntary actions, stores memories, and regulates thoughts and emotions. It also plays a crucial role in sensory processing, perception, and cognition.
2. Spinal Cord:
- Function: The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure extending from the brain and running through the back (vertebrae). It serves as the primary pathway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body, transmitting nerve signals to and from the brain. The spinal cord also controls reflexes, which are rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli.
3. Neurons (also called nerve cells):
- Function: Neurons are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system. They are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. Each neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites (which receive signals), and an axon (which sends signals).
4. Sensory Receptors:
- Function: Sensory receptors are specialized cells located in various parts of the body that convert external stimuli (e.g., touch, light, sound, taste, etc.) into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain for interpretation and processing.
5. Ganglia:
- Function: Ganglia are clusters of neurons located outside the brain and spinal cord (in the peripheral nervous system). They act as communication centers, processing and relaying sensory and motor information between peripheral nerves and the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
6. Nerves:
- Function: Nerves are bundles of nerve fibers (axons and dendrites of neurons) that transmit electrical signals between the brain, spinal cord, and various parts of the body. They act as communication channels, enabling sensory information to reach the brain and motor commands to travel from the brain to muscles and glands.
The nervous system's organs and components work together to regulate and coordinate various bodily functions, process information, and maintain homeostasis, ensuring the smooth and proper functioning of the human body.