Osmosis video - Nervous system: Structure and function

The human nervous system functions as the control center for everything our body does. It controls voluntary and involuntary activities, including movements, breathing, thinking, digestion, etc. The nervous system consists of the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord; and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. The brain includes the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, while the spinal cord carries information to and from the brain.

The peripheral nervous system can be divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, which is further divided into the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. The somatic nervous system receives information from sensory organs and controls the voluntary muscles, while the autonomic nervous system receives information and controls the involuntary muscles and glands in organs.