Nervous system function

The nervous system is the master controlling and communicating system of the body.  It gathers information about what is occurring inside and outside the body.  It then processes this information and makes decisions about what should be done moment by moment, ensuring that the appropriate responses occur to the various stimuli.

The parts of the nervous system

The nervous system is divided into central and peripheral parts.  The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord and functions to interpret incoming information and to issue instructions.  The peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprises the peripheral nerves (bundles of nerve fibres), ganglia (clumps of neurons outside the CNS) and sensory receptors.  It functions to carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord.