Did you know the nervous system acts as a communication channel for a human being? It controls everything that we do, from breathing to blinking to thinking. It's no wonder that it's often called the "master control system" of the human body. In this blog post, we will explore 11 amazing facts about the human nervous system. We will learn about the different parts of the brain and what they do, as well as some of the most interesting things that have been discovered about human cognition.
So, without further ado, let's get started!
1. Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system.
Neurons are cells that receive and transmit electrical impulses. The human brain has about 86 billion neurons (nerve cells) and the spinal cord is composed of about 200 million neurons that work together to control all of the body’s functions.
The discovery of the neurons was an evolving process. It first started as a theory that postulated that the brain was made up of tiny nerve cells. This theory was first proposed by a man named Franz Gall in the early 1800s. Gall believed that the size and shape of these nerve cells determined a person's personality and mental abilities.
While this theory was initially met with skepticism, it gained traction when Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramon y Cajal discovered actual cells in the brain that looked similar to what Gall had proposed. Cajal's discovery marked the beginning of modern neuroscience and led to further discoveries about how neurons work.
But it was Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz who coined the term "neuron" in 1891. Waldeyer-Hartz was a German anatomist who was able to synthesize the discoveries of Santiago Ramon y Cajal and Camillo Golgi. Camillo Golgi was an Italian physician, pathologist, and neuroscientist who discovered a way to stain neurons so that they could be seen more clearly under a microscope.
2. The nervous system is composed of two parts.
The first part is the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord. The second part is the peripheral nervous system, which consists of all of the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to innervate (supply nerve endings to) the rest of the body. The human brain controls and is one of the most complex organs in the human body. It weighs about three pounds and consumes 20 percent of your body's energy.
3. The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for three major functions.
It receives and processes information from the senses, controls voluntary movement, and it regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. The CNS receives input from the body's sensors, which detect changes in the environment or within the body itself. This information is then relayed to the brain, where it is processed and used to generate a response.
4. The peripheral nervous system is composed of two parts
The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for carrying information to and from the CNS to the muscles, skin, and joints. This allows us to interact with our environment. The autonomic nervous system controls all of the body's involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and is composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response, while the parasympathetic nervous system controls all of the body's rest-and-digest functions.
5. The speed of signals in the nervous system can go as fast as a Bugatti Veyron
The fastest known speed that a neuron can fire at is about 268 miles/hr. That is as fast as the Bugatti Veyron which was considered the world's fastest car in 2010 reaching speeds of up to 268 miles per hour. The transmission speed between the neurons depends on the axon type, myelin sheath thickness, degree of myelination, and age.
6. The brain and spinal cord are connected by the brain stem
The brain stem carries out the electrical signals from the brain to the spinal cord and the rest of the body. The brain stem is made up of three parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The midbrain is the portion of the brain that controls our vision and hearing. The pons is responsible for sending signals from the brain to the facial muscles and helps to regulate our sleep cycles. The medulla oblongata controls our breathing and heart rate.
7. Brain cells make up the functional tissue of the brain
There are two types of brain cells: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are the cells that send and receive electrical signals, while glial cells are non-neuronal cells that do not produce electrical signals but provide support and protection for the neurons. There are four main types of glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells.
8. The longest nerve in our nervous system is the sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that starts in the lower back and runs through the buttocks and down the leg. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the skin of the leg and supplies muscles with motor signals.
Back problems could lead to the compression of the sciatic nerve causing a lot of pain from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
9. We have a second brain in the gut
The gut has about 500 million neurons which is three times more than the neurons in the spinal cord. Scientists and doctors call it the enteric nervous system (ENS) and according to ScienceDirect, it is defined as "the arrangement of neurons and support cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the anus". ENS is often referred to as the "second brain" because it is able to function independently of the central nervous system (CNS).
10. The nervous system can be hacked
Ranu Jungand and the Adaptive Neural Systems Laboratory team have been researching ways to interface with the nervous system using technology. One example is a neural-enabled prosthetic hand (NEPH) system that has a fully implanted, wirelessly controlled neurostimulator. This stimulator sends electrical signals to the muscles in the arm which allows the user to control the hand and restores the sense of touch.
in 2018, Jason Little was the first person in the world with a hand amputation to test the NEPH system. The results are very encouraging as he was able to perform tasks such as picking up a block, feeling the object being touched, and picking up tomatoes or eggs without breaking them. Jason's comment was “Recouping the ability to feel objects again is like having my hand back, which is something I never thought possible. It’s an absolute gamechanger for me”. If you want to see Jason in action or learn more about the human brain, I recommend watching "Human, The World Within" Episode one.
Our brains are very plastic and are always changing. The adult brain has a greater capacity for hacking itself and is able to rewire in ways we did not anticipate before.
11. You can consciously affect your nervous system
Your nervous system is responsible for everything from the heartbeat to the release of adrenaline in fight-or-flight situations. It's clear that the nervous system is vitally important, but what's less well-known is that you can actually consciously affect its functioning. For instance, breathing exercises have been shown to help people with anxiety disorders by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Meditation and mindfulness practices can also help to regulate the autonomic nervous system. In fact, there is growing evidence that these practices can help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
All the techniques mentioned above not only help to bring the nervous system into balance but also increases the blood flow to your brain. Dr. Daniel Amen's research with SPECT scan proves this with real brain images. Dr. Amen discovered that when an individual does meditation the blood flow to the brain increases. But what's more interesting, is that negative or positive thoughts can also affect the blood flow to the brain.
So if you're looking for a way to boost your health and improve your mood, consider incorporating some techniques to consciously affect your nervous system.
The nervous system is a vital part of the human body that can dictate our overall health, well-being, and productivity. Understanding the structure and function is important to maintain a healthy balance. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the different diseases that can affect the CNS. By taking steps to keep our CNS healthy, we can improve our quality of life and enjoy a happy and productive life.
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Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. CNS diseases can be serious, so it is important to seek medical help if you think you may be experiencing symptoms. CNS diseases are often complex, and treatment can vary depending on the individual. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment plan.
Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sensory neurons?
Sensory neurons are a type of nerve cell that responds to stimuli from the environment, such as light, sound, or pressure. These cells are found in different parts of the body, including the eyes, ears, skin, and joints. When a stimulus is detected, the sensory neuron sends a signal to the brain, which then interprets the information. The ability to sense the world around us is essential for survival, as it helps us to avoid danger and make informed decisions. Without sensory neurons, we would be unable to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations that make up our everyday lives.
What are alpha motor neurons?
Alpha motor neurons are the nerve cells responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles. These signals tell the muscles to contract, which then results in movement. Alpha motor neurons are located in the spinal cord and are divided into two groups: upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons. Upper motor neurons send signals from the brain to the spinal cord, while lower motor neurons send signals from the spinal cord to the muscles.
