What are the nerves that connect the central nervous system to all parts of the body?

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What are the nerves that connect the central nervous system to all parts of the body?

Find out about the workings of the brain and nerves. (Image credit: Ross Toro, Livescience.com contributor)

The nervous system, essentially the body’s electrical wiring, is a complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the body. Neurons signal to other cells through fibers called axons. Chemicals called neurotransmitters are released at gaps called synapses. These communications take only a fraction of a millisecond. Sensory neurons respond to stimuli such as light and sound. Motor neurons carry activation signals to muscles and glands. Neurons are supported and fed by glial cells. “Glial” derives from the Greek word for “glue.” Vertebrates, animals with backbones and spinal columns, have central and peripheral nervous systems. The Central Nervous System is the integration and command center of the body. It consists of the brain, spinal cord and the retinas of the eyes. The Peripheral Nervous System consists of sensory neurons, ganglia (clusters of neurons) and nerves that connect the central nervous system to arms, hands, legs and feet. The Cranial Nervous System nerves connect the brain to the eyes, mouth, ears and other parts of the head. The Autonomic Nervous System nerves connect the central nervous system to the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, bladder and sex organs. The branch of medicine that studies the nervous system is called neurology. Doctors who treat the nervous system are neurologists.

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  • Nervous System: Facts, Function & Diseases

Ross Toro is a contributing infographic artist for Live Science. He specializes in explanatory graphics that deal with science topics. Ross is a former art director of the Los Angeles Times, Associated Press and United Press International. He teaches Filipino martial arts when not dabbling in cartoons and animation.

Although terminology seems to indicate otherwise, there is really only one nervous system in the body. Although each subdivision of the system is also called a "nervous system," all of these smaller systems belong to the single, highly integrated nervous system. Each subdivision has structural and functional characteristics that distinguish it from the others. The nervous system as a whole is divided into two subdivisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The Central Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord are the organs of the central nervous system. Because they are so vitally important, the brain and spinal cord, located in the dorsal body cavity, are encased in bone for protection. The brain is in the cranial vault, and the spinal cord is in the vertebral canal of the vertebral column. Although considered to be two separate organs, the brain and spinal cord are continuous at the foramen magnum.

The Peripheral Nervous System

The organs of the peripheral nervous system are the nerves and ganglia. Nerves are bundles of nerve fibers, much like muscles are bundles of muscle fibers. Cranial nerves and spinal nerves extend from the CNS to peripheral organs such as muscles and glands. Ganglia are collections, or small knots, of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS.

The peripheral nervous system is further subdivided into an afferent (sensory) division and an efferent (motor) division. The afferent or sensory division transmits impulses from peripheral organs to the CNS. The efferent or motor division transmits impulses from the CNS out to the peripheral organs to cause an effect or action.

Finally, the efferent or motor division is again subdivided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system, also called the somatomotor or somatic efferent nervous system, supplies motor impulses to the skeletal muscles. Because these nerves permit conscious control of the skeletal muscles, it is sometimes called the voluntary nervous system. The autonomic nervous system, also called the visceral efferent nervous system, supplies motor impulses to cardiac muscle, to smooth muscle, and to glandular epithelium. It is further subdivided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Because the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary or automatic functions, it is called the involuntary nervous system.

What nerves connect the CNS to the body?

the peripheral nervous system, or PNS, which consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Which connects the CNS with parts of the body?

The spinal cord runs from the brain down through the back. It contains threadlike nerves that branch out to every organ and body part. This network of nerves relays messages back and forth from the brain to different parts of the body.

What nerves are connected?

Cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
Nerves that directly connect the brain and the brain stem with the eyes, ears, nose, and throat and with various parts of the head, neck, and trunk are called cranial nerves. ... .
Nerves that connect the spinal cord with other parts of the body are called spinal nerves..

What are the 3 types of nerves?

There are three types of nerves in the body:.
Autonomic nerves. These nerves control the involuntary or partially voluntary activities of your body, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation..
Motor nerves. ... .
Sensory nerves..