Neural Control and Coordination in the Nervous System

Neural Control and Coordination: An Overview

The nervous system is the body's command center, responsible for controlling thought, movement, emotion, breathing, heart rate, hormone release, and body temperature. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This article will discuss the role of neurotransmitters in neural control and coordination, as well as the functions of the CNS and PNS.

Central Nervous System

The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord. It controls:

• Thought, movement, and emotion
• Breathing, heart rate, hormones, and body temperature
• Consciousness and sleep
• Regulation of consciousness through the reticular activation system (RAS)
• Homeostasis through the hypothalamus, which connects the CNS to the endocrine system

The brain is protected by the skull and the spinal cord by a protective triple-layered membrane called the meninges. The brain is made up of many networks of communicating neurons and glia, which allow different parts of the brain to communicate with each other and work together for various activities, such as emotions, thinking, behavior, and more.

Peripheral Nervous System

The PNS consists of all the nerve tissue outside of the CNS and is divided into two main parts: the autonomic and the somatic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems, which act on the body in opposite ways. The PNS is responsible for:

• Regulating glands and organs without conscious effort
• Involuntary processes, such as maintaining a regular heartbeat, releasing hormones like adrenaline, opening the pupil in response to light, and regulating the digestive system

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the neural control and coordination process. They are chemicals that move the signal through the synapse, which is the space between the bump and the dendrite of a neuron. Neurotransmitters help nerves communicate with each other and play a vital role in the transmission of electrical signals throughout the nervous system.

In summary, the nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating the body's functions through the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in this process by facilitating communication between neurons and allowing the brain to regulate various bodily functions.