4. Division of the Nervous System

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The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The Central Nervous System is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is the body's control center, responsible for regulating and coordinating most bodily functions. The spinal cord, on the other hand, is the main transmission route for nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

The brain is divided into several parts, each with specific functions. The most anterior part, the frontal lobe, is responsible for reasoning, planning, parts of movement and speech, emotions and problem solving. The parietal lobe, located in the middle of the brain, is responsible for the perception and recognition of sensory stimuli, such as touch and temperature. The occipital lobe at the back of the brain is primarily responsible for vision. The temporal lobe, located in the lower part of the brain, is responsible for hearing and memory.

The spinal cord is a long column of nervous tissue that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back. It consists of thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves that transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column, which is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The Peripheral Nervous System is made up of all the nerves that branch from the brain and spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body, including muscles, glands, and sensory organs. The PNS is subdivided into two main systems: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling the voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. It also receives sensory information from the body and sends it to the brain. For example, if you touch something hot, your somatic nerves send that information to your brain, which interprets the sensation as pain.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, breathing, sweating and regulating body temperature. The autonomic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action in stressful situations, while the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body relax and conserve energy.

In short, the nervous system is an incredibly complex and vital network that regulates and coordinates the body's activities. Understanding this division between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system is fundamental to understanding how the human body works and how it responds to different stimuli.

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55. Central Nervous System