The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and acts as the control center of the body by processing sensory information and making decisions. The PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS and has three main divisions: the somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. The somatic system controls voluntary muscle movement, while the autonomic system regulates involuntary functions through its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that work in opposition to activate the body's fight or flight response or rest and digest response. The enteric nervous system is a component of the autonomic system that acts semi-autonomously to regulate the
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and acts as the control center of the body by processing sensory information and making decisions. The PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS and has three main divisions: the somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. The somatic system controls voluntary muscle movement, while the autonomic system regulates involuntary functions through its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that work in opposition to activate the body's fight or flight response or rest and digest response. The enteric nervous system is a component of the autonomic system that acts semi-autonomously to regulate the
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and acts as the control center of the body by processing sensory information and making decisions. The PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS and has three main divisions: the somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. The somatic system controls voluntary muscle movement, while the autonomic system regulates involuntary functions through its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that work in opposition to activate the body's fight or flight response or rest and digest response. The enteric nervous system is a component of the autonomic system that acts semi-autonomously to regulate the
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and acts as the control center of the body by processing sensory information and making decisions. The PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS and has three main divisions: the somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. The somatic system controls voluntary muscle movement, while the autonomic system regulates involuntary functions through its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that work in opposition to activate the body's fight or flight response or rest and digest response. The enteric nervous system is a component of the autonomic system that acts semi-autonomously to regulate the
Nervous System By: Tim Barclay, PhD Medically reviewed by: Stephanie Curreli, MD, PhD Last Updated: Jul 16, 2019
Divisions of the Nervous System
Central Nervous System The brain and spinal cord together form the central nervous system, or CNS. The CNS acts as the control center of the body by providing its processing, memory, and regulation systems. The CNS takes in all of the conscious and subconscious sensory information from the body’s sensory receptors to stay aware of the body’s internal and external conditions. Using this sensory information, it makes decisions about both conscious and subconscious actions to take to maintain the body’s homeostasis and ensure its survival. The CNS is also responsible for the higher functions of the nervous system such as language, creativity, expression, emotions, and personality. The brain is the seat of consciousness and determines who we are as individuals. Peripheral Nervous System The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all of the parts of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord. These parts include all of the cranial and spinal nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors. Somatic Nervous System The somatic nervous system (SNS) is a division of the PNS that includes all of the voluntary efferent neurons. The SNS is the only consciously controlled part of the PNS and is responsible for stimulating skeletal muscles in the body. Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the PNS that includes all of the involuntary efferent neurons. The ANS controls subconscious effectors such as visceral muscle tissue, cardiac muscle tissue, and glandular tissue. There are 2 divisions of the autonomic nervous system in the body: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. • Sympathetic. The sympathetic division forms the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress, danger, excitement, exercise, emotions, and embarrassment. The sympathetic division increases respiration and heart rate, releases adrenaline and other stress hormones, and decreases digestion to cope with these situations. • Parasympathetic. The parasympathetic division forms the body’s “rest and digest” response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. The parasympathetic works to undo the work of the sympathetic division after a stressful situation. Among other functions, the parasympathetic division works to decrease respiration and heart rate, increase digestion, and permit the elimination of wastes. Enteric Nervous System The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the division of the ANS that is responsible for regulating digestion and the function of the digestive organs. The ENS receives signals from the central nervous system through both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system to help regulate its functions. However, the ENS mostly works independently of the CNS and continues to function without any outside input. For this reason, the ENS is often called the “brain of the gut” or the body’s “second brain.” The ENS is an immense system—almost as many neurons exist in the ENS as in the spinal cord.
