The Nervous System
The nervous system is the master controller of the body. Each thought, each emotion, each action—all result from the activity of this system. Through its many parts, the nervous system monitors conditions both within and outside the body. It then processes that information and decides how the body should respond, if at all. Finally, if a response is needed, the system sends out electrical signals that spur the body into immediate action. Although one of the smallest of the body's systems in terms of weight, the nervous system is the most complex and versatile.
Design: Parts of the Nervous System
The nervous system is a collection of cells, tissues, and organs. It can be split into two separate divisions: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system (CNS) acts as the command center of the body. It interprets incoming sensory information, then sends out instructions on how the body should react. The CNS consists of two major parts: the brain and the spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system outside of the CNS. It consists mainly of nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord to areas in the rest of the body.
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