the nervous system

• The nervous system is a complex network responsible for controlling and coordinating body functions and enabling interaction with the environment.
• Central Nervous System (CNS):


   is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is the body's processing centre. 
• Brain: 


  The control center, responsible for processing information and regulating behavior.
• • Spinal Cord: 


  A cylindrical structure that connects the brain to the rest of the body, relaying messages and controlling reflexes.
• Functions of the CNS:

  • Processes sensory information (e.g., sight, sound, touch).
  • Sends motor commands to muscles.
  • Regulates complex behaviors, such as emotions, memory, and reasoning.
• • Reflexes:
  • Rapid, automatic responses to stimuli (e.g., touching a hot object).
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):


  is that part of your nervous system that lies outside your brain and spinal cord.
• The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that runs throughout the head, neck, and body. It carries messages to and from the central nervous system 
• • Somatic Nervous System:
  • Controls voluntary actions (e.g., moving your hand).
  • Contains sensory neurons (carry information to the CNS) and motor neurons (transmit signals from the CNS to muscles).
• • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
  • Regulates involuntary processes like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.
  • Divided into: Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System.
• • Sympathetic Nervous System:
  • Activates the “fight or flight” response during stress.
  • Increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion.
• • Parasympathetic Nervous System:
  • Promotes “rest and digest.”
  • Slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, and conserves energy.