IMPORTANCE OF THE HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM: 7 REASONS - SCIENCE - 2025

The importance of the human nervous system derives from the infinity of functions it fulfills. This system is composed of a series of elements that work to maintain the stability of the human body.

We have the brain, which contains cells that coordinate the activities of the body: neurons. There is also the spinal cord, which allows the transmission of sensory and motor impulses.

Human nervous system, divided into central nervous system and peripheral nervous system

These are just a few examples of the functions of isolated elements of the nervous system. However, if the importance of the combined system is sought, then it is necessary to talk about the general functions.

The nervous system has a primary function: to collect and transmit information about the state of the body. This is very important, since it allows you to pay attention to the situation of your own body.

Suppose we have cut ourselves with a knife. The nerves send this information to the brain through the spinal cord.

The brain interprets the message and sends a response (the pain), so that we realize what has happened and pay attention to the injury.

Why is the nervous system important?

Next, we will delve into the various reasons that explain the relevance of the human nervous system.

1- Sensations

The human nervous system is of great importance, as it is responsible for receiving and transmitting information about the body and the environment that surrounds it.

This is done through stimuli, which are registered by the five main senses: taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing.

Thanks to this, human beings are aware of the state of our body and can take care of it.

For example, if someone has a stone in their shoe, this information is received by sensors on the skin that record changes in pressure. These data are transmitted to the brain where they are interpreted. Subsequently, a response is sent.

2- Answers

The nervous system produces responses taking into account the received stimuli. This function is relevant, since it allows the human being to act according to the situation.

Let's continue with the example of the stone in the shoe. Upon receiving the information from the receptors, the brain sends a response to make the body become aware of the invading agent.

This response is presented in the form of discomfort generated by the pressure exerted by the object on the nerve. Thus, we will know that there is a problem and we can act accordingly (for example, removing the stone).

The responses of the nervous system can be of two types: voluntary and involuntary. The example of the stone is a sample of voluntary response.

For its part, an example of an involuntary response is sweating. In hot weather, the nervous system generates sweat to cool the body.

3- Integration of data on stimuli

The stimuli received by the sensory structures are stored in the nervous system, where they are integrated with the information transmitted by other stimuli.

In this way, a kind of database is created in which three important elements are recorded: the sensation, the cause of it and the response that was given. Thanks to this, current stimuli can be compared with previous stimuli.

For example, the first time you have a stone in your shoe, you do not know what is the agent causing the pressure. Once the information has been integrated, the person will be able to recognize that it is a stone or similar object even if they are not seeing it.

4- Coordination and control of body functions

The nervous system is in a way the head of the human body, since it is responsible for coordinating and controlling its functions. Any action taken by a body structure depends on the nervous system to be effective.

Respiration, digestion, hormone secretion, blood circulation, sweating and movement are some examples of the processes that are regulated by the nervous system. A failure in this system would generate errors in these processes.

5- Reflections

Reflex arc components

The nervous system controls reflexes, which are involuntary actions that respond to certain stimuli.

Reflexes are important because they allow you to act quickly in certain situations, allowing you to defend the body or maintain vital functions.

Some examples of reflexes are respiratory and digestive movements. There is also the palpebral reflex (which activates the muscles of the eyelids when an object is close to the eyes) and the pupillary (which dilates or contracts the pupil according to the intensity of the light).

6- Nerves

As its name implies, the nervous system is made up of a network of nerves. These are important for two reasons: for their function and for the establishment of connections.

Function

According to the function they fulfill, they can be sensitive, motor or mixed. Sensory nerves are involved in collecting information from all parts of the body, as long as they have not been compromised.

The motor nerves allow you to control the movements of the body. Finally, mixed nerves can perform both functions.

Connections

Nerves connect all parts of the body to the nervous system. In this sense, we find cerebral and spinal nerves.

The former connect the brain with the structures above the neck, while the latter start from the spinal cord to other areas of the body.

There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. These include olfactory, optical, motor-ocular, auditory, facial and glossopharyngeal ones.

For its part, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves. These connect the spinal cord to the skin, muscles, and organs.

7- Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the process through which the stability of the body is achieved. This process occurs thanks to the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for producing involuntary responses in the individual.

Sweating and chills are examples of homeostasis. Both are responses to changes in temperature in the environment and in the body. In hot weather, stability is achieved by sweating. But if it is cold, homeostasis is achieved by having chills.

References

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