Nervous system

The nervous system is the coordinating center of biological information which controls body processes and movement. It receives and interprets stimuli from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord then relay impulses back to the body parts.

It consists of 2 main parts:

Central nervous system- consists of the brain and spinal cord which act as the processing area

Peripheral nervous system- contains the nerves that carry information to and from the central nervous system.

The nervous system gets its name from the cylindrical bundle of fiber called nerves.

Structure
At cellular level, the basic component of the nervous system is the neuron or nerve cell. It is a special type of cell which can send signals accurately and rapidly to other cells via axons. During this connection, chemicals called neurotransmitters are released at synapses forming the human perception and determining his behavior.

Aside from the neurons, the nervous system also has glial cells or glia that are specialized cells providing structural and metabolic support.

Function
Basically, the function of the nervous system is integrating signals among the cells and body parts. The system receives, interprets and sends sensory information to all parts of the body. It also the one monitoring and coordinating internal organ function and responding to external changes.

The common causes for the malfunction of the system ranges from genetic defects, physical damage, infection and aging.

In science, the study of nervous system is called Neuroscience.