by Sarah Park
Overview of the Nervous System
“The human brain is the most complex structure in the universe.”
Professor Richard Restak, M.D.
The brain is the core of the nervous system.
It NEEDS neurons to send that information from the brain to other parts of the body.
Think of the brain as Santa Clause, and the neurons as his elves that are sharing presents (information) throughout the body (the world). 💕
Nerve cells are distinctive in that they have:
1) Dendritic tree (receiving other nerve cell's information)
2) Axons (to make contact with other nerve cells)Their functions are to give presents (signals) to or within the Central Nervous System also known as the CNS.
When we exercise or use our motor functions, signals are sent from the CNS to muscle cells! 💪
However, this is NOT the ONLY type of Nerve cells!
Glial cells (Coming from the Greek world "GLUE")
Holds the nerve cells all together
Similar to connective tissues
Types of Glial cells:
Astrocytes (coming from Greek world "STAR")- can be fibrous astrocytes or proto-plasmic astrocytes. Cover the parts of nerve cells not covered by the myelin (layer around nerve cells)
Oligodendrocytes (coming from the Greek word "FEW BRANCHES")- forms the myelin sheath in the CNS & specialized cells also do it in the Peripheral Nervous System or the PNS.
Microglia (coming from the Greek word "SMALL")- smaller than most glia cells but essential for the immune protection in the nervous system. They are the cleaners of cellular remains when nerve cells die.
Of course, this wouldn't be possible without the BRAIN! This organ is only 3 pounds, but makes an enormous impact on our brain and is has many complex function & structures.
This was an overview of the nervous system & We will get into more details about the brain next week!
How can we keep our Central Nervous System Healthy?
One tip: EXERCISE!
Exercise can DECREASE stress hormones while INCREASING neurotransmitters (which can make information transfer faster)
Angiogenesis can occur while exercising, increasing the blood vessel growth
Helps with Neurogenesis, Neuroplasticity, AND Neurochemistry!
Neurological benefits of exercise:
Can decrease stress, anxiety
Increased energy
Improved memory
Additional Resources:
Ashwell, Ken W. S. The Brain Book: Development, Function, Disorder, Health. Firefly Books, 2012.
“Brain Anatomy.” Princeton Brain, Spine, and Sports Medicine, https://www.princetonbrainandspine.com/resources/learning-center/brain-anatomy/.
Neurons: What Are They and How Do They Work? 7 Dec. 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320289.
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