ORGANS of the nervous system

The nervous system It is one of the most important and complex systems of the human body, as it allows us to be aware of everything that happens in our external and internal environment and respond to the changes that Occur. Its main structural unit is the neuron, which is accompanied by a series of cells that provide support and nutrition, the glia cells.

Anatomically, it is divided into the central nervous system (CNS), made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In this lesson from a TEACHER we review what are the organs of the nervous system. Join us as we see it!

Index

1. Brain, one of the organs of the nervous system
2. Spinal cord
3. Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The brain is part of Central Nervous System (CNS) and is protected by the skull and by three connective tissue membranes called meninges. It is divided into the brain, cerebellum, and brain stem.

Brain

The brain

• Frontal lobe: fundamentally performs executive, personality and behavioral functions. It also contains the motor cortex (controls the movement of the muscles) and the broca area (controls the muscles that allow speech.
• Temporal lobe: contains the auditory area and the area that allows us to understand both spoken and written language.
• Itparietal bullous: it mainly contains the sensitive areas and is responsible for their integration.
• Occipital lobe: contains the visual cortex, where visual perceptions are received and processed.

The brain also contains areas responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, the limbic system (fundamental in emotions, memory or learning) with the hypothalamus (it also controls hunger, thirst or the entire hormonal axis of the body) or the basal ganglia, at the base of the brain and which regulates movements muscular.

Cerebellum

Located behind the brainstem, It is made up of two hemispheres and three lobes. Like the brain, it is formed externally by the cerebellar cortex of gray matter and internally, white matter. Their functions are:

• Coordination of motor activity with the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia.
• Correct motor performance if it does not coincide with the information sent by the cerebral cortex.
• Maintenance of body posture and balance
• Coordination of fast and fine movements that require dexterity

Brain stem

It is the part of the CNS that Connects the brain with the spinal cord. Its function is very important and is divided into three areas:

• Midbrain: this area has a certain role in motor coordination, visual perception, eye movement and hearing. It is also the origin of two cranial nerves.
• Varolio's bump or bridge: this area participates in breathing, localization of sounds and control of the sleep-wake cycle. It gives rise to four cranial nerves.
• Medulla oblongata: This area contains the breathing center, heart control center, the vomiting center, and structures that participate in the perception of touch and vibration. It gives rise to four cranial nerves. The medulla oblongata has a very important function and its injury can lead to death.

We continue to know the main organs of the nervous system to talk about the spinal cord that, like the brain, is part of the CNS and is located below the brain stem. It is protected by the vertebrae and by the three meningeal membranes.

It consists of a elongated and fine structure extending from the cervical area of ​​the spine to the most distal area. It has two thickenings, the lumbar and the cervical and in its most distal area, the medullary cone. It connects in its upper part with the medulla oblongata and with the coccyx at its lower end.

In cross section of a medulla section and, unlike in the brain, it is formed by white matter on the outside and gray substance on the inside, forming a kind of butterfly wings. It is organized into antlers through which axons emerge from neurons and are organized into roots:

• Dorsal shaft: Sensitive information, normally from the musculature, enters through this area.
• Intermediate poles: in this area there are connecting interneurons
• Ventral antlers: motor information is sent through this area to control the muscles.

Yes OK does not constitute an organ of the nervous system, it is essential to know it because it depends on it that the organs of the nervous system can develop their function correctly.

It is formed by the neurons, with their corresponding axons, which enter (sensory information) and exit (motor information) from organs of the nervous system, and there are 31 pairs of medullary nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

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Hall, J. E., & Guyton, A. C. (2008). Guyton & Hall Compendium of Medical Physiology (11th. ed.). Barcelona [etc.]: Elsevier.