Nervous System: Organization and Divisions

Organization of the Nervous System

• The nervous system is an incredibly complex organ system responsible for communication throughout the body.

Basic Functions and Organization

• Anatomical Divisions: The nervous system is divided into two primary regions:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS):
    • Includes the brain and spinal cord.
    • Protected by the skull (for the brain) and vertebrae (for the spinal cord).
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
    • Includes all nervous tissue located outside of the skull and spinal column.
    • While there are minor technical exceptions, this general distinction is effective for organizing the system.

• Divisions of the PNS (further subdivided by function):

  • Somatic Division:
    • Responsible for our conscious perception of the surrounding environment.
    • Controls voluntary movements.
  • Autonomic Division:
    • Responsible for regulating many internal organs.
    • Operates through unconscious and involuntary responses.
  • Visceral Division:
    • Closely related to the autonomic division.
    • Responsible for transmitting information and signals between the CNS and the visceral (internal) organs.