Navigating the Neural Network: Understanding the Complexities of the Human Nervous System - Free Essay

Introduction

The nervous system is a sophisticated collection of nerves as well as neurons in the body that play an important role in transmitting signals between different body parts (Paxinos & Mai, 2004). In this regard, the nervous system is considered to be the electrical wiring of the body.

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Organs and Structures of the Nervous System

Structurally, the human nervous system consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain, the nerves, and the spinal cord (Paxinos & Mai, 2004). The brain is the organ that controls a majority of the body functions like movement, thoughts, sensation, and speech. The spinal cord connects the brain and nerves that connect other body parts and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. On the other hand, the peripheral nervous system consists of the sensory neurons and ganglia. It is part of the nervous system that is outside the central nervous system and sends and receives signals from the central nervous system.

Key Cell or Tissue Types of the Nervous System

The central nervous system entails the grey matter and the white matter, which is composed of cells, unmyelinated axons, microglia, and the myelinated axons, fibrous astrocytes, respectively (Rea, 2015). On the other hand, the peripheral nervous system entails the ganglion tissue and the nerves. Each of the nerves is surrounded by three layers of the connective tissue: endoneurium, epineurium, and perineurium.

Physiology of the Nervous System

The nervous system consists of the sympathetic chain, the collateral ganglia, and the adrenal medulla. The sympathetic chain entails the sympathetic chain ganglia that run in a chain from the head to the tailbone along both of the spine. It should be noted that ganglia are a cluster of nerve cell bodies that play an important role in sending messages to the neck, head, and trunk (Rea, 2015). Through its activity, the sympathetic chain impacts the spinal nerves as well as nerves in the thoracic cavity, thereby increasing blood flow to the brain and muscles, stimulating energy production, and releasing stored fats. The collateral ganglia entail the celiac ganglion, the inferior mesenteric ganglion, and the superior mesenteric ganglion. These are found in the front of the spine in the abdomen which plays a role in sending messages to the abdomen and the pelvis (Rea, 2015). This ganglion impacts the nerves of the lower blood flow affecting the activity of the digestive system, release of glucose, and urine production and release. Lastly, the system consists of the adrenal medulla which is located within the center of each of the adrenal glands. The glands have specialized neurons that tend to release chemical messengers to the blood that act as hormones.

Relationship of the Nervous System to the Digestive System

The nervous system of the body interacts with all other body systems. It should be noted that similar to the manner in which the cells need oxygen that is transported by the circulatory system, all the body organs and tissues require instruction as well as direction from the nervous system. For example, there is an interrelationship between the nervous system and the muscles that facilitate human movement (Rea, 2015). Also, the digestive and excretory system tends to work with the nervous system to ensure that the thoughts, eating, and peeing is in one’s control. One important relationship exists between the nervous system and the endocrine system. It should be noted that the endocrine system works closely with the brain and the central nervous system in controlling the creation of hormones and enzymes.

While all the body systems interact to keep the organisms healthy, the relationship between the nervous system and the digestive system illustrates the significance of such a relationship. It should be noted that the digestive system processes are vital in providing the building blocks for the neurotransmitters. A part of the nervous system, the autonomic system, tends to control the tone of the digestive tract while the brain controls the muscles involves in eating and elimination.

Common Medical issues and Diseases affecting the Nervous System

The nervous system is impacted by many different disorders that can be described as either structural disorders like the ones affecting the brain of the spinal cord, or functional disorders like headache, dizziness, and epilepsy. One of the common diseases of the nervous system is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease takes place when the communication between the neurons is disrupted, thereby resulting in the death of cells and loss of function (Dorszewska & Kozubski, 2018). It should be noted that the brain of a healthy human has tens of billions of neurons that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. The function, as well as the survival of the neurons, depends on three biological processes, namely communication, metabolism, and regeneration.

In a healthy person, the brain tends to shrink to some extent through aging, although neurons are not lost in large numbers (Dorszewska & Kozubski, 2018). However, Alzheimer’s disease makes many neurons stop functioning; others die, while others lose connection with their network, thereby affecting the three biological processes communication, metabolism, and regeneration. Therefore, this has a significant impact on language, reasoning, and social behavior. People who have Alzheimer’s disease tend to have an increased risk of malnutrition as they have problems with eating and swallowing. They also tend to have bowel changes and bladder functions that lead to constipation. The disease affects about 5.2 million Americans who are aged over 65 years and hundreds of thousands aged less than 65 years (Dorszewska & Kozubski, 2018). A majority, nearly two-thirds of Americans with the disease are women. Therefore, it can be illustrated that the nervous system has a critical role in the body and affects all the other body systems.

References

Dorszewska, J., & Kozubski, W. (2018). Alzheimer's disease: The 21st century challenge. London: IntechOpen.

Paxinos, G., & Mai, J. K. (2004). The human nervous system. Boston: Elsevier Academic Press.

Rea, P. (2015). Essential Clinical Anatomy of the Nervous System. San Diego, CA, USA: Elsevier Science.