Nervous system

Neuron can be considered as the basic unit of the nervous system, which processes and transmits information by means of electrochemical signals. Sensory neurons respond to external stimuli that affect the sensory organ cells. Motor neurons, on receiving signals from the central nervous system, bring about responses at the target organs. Interneurons act as the connectors between neurons. Neurons are of different shapes and sizes and their complex interconnections add to the complexity of the nervous system. The complexity is pretty evident from the human nervous system diagram given above. The human brain contains 86.1 billion neurons. Neuroglia,Glia or glial cells, as they are called, are non-neural cells that play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and protecting the brain's neurons. The glial cells surround the neurons to hold them in place, supply them with oxygen and nutrients, isolate the neurons from one another and remove dead neurons. The human brain contains about 84.6 billion glia; that's almost equal to the number of neurons it contains. The human nervous system can be divided into two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of sensory neurons, ganglia (clusters of neurons) and nerves. Here is a labeled human nervous system diagram that you can refer to, while you read about the human nervous system function and parts. Brain: The brain is the center of the human nervous system and is a highly complex organ. Even a braniac won't find it very easy to understand the brain! The human brain is about three times larger than the brain of a typical mammal. The brain can be said to have three main parts, the brain stem, the cerebrum and the cerebellum. The cerebrum is associated with information storage and processing; the cerebellum is responsible for balance, posture and coordination of movements; and the brain stem plays a vital role in controlling breathing and heart rate along with some other important body processes. Along with the skull, the brain is also protected by the cerebrospinal fluid in which it is suspended. It's strange yet true that the brain floats in a fluid! Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is a long tubular structure composed of nervous tissue and support cells. It is around 45 cm long in men and 43 cm long in women. It extends from the brain up to the space between the first and the second lumbar vertebrae. It transmits neural signals between the brain and other body parts. It is the spinal cord which connects the brain and the peripheral nervous system. nerves:Cable-like in appearance, the nerves serve as paths for the transmission of nerve impulses along axons. Nerves are found only in the peripheral nervous system. Depending on the direction of the signals they conduct, they are classified into afferent and efferent nerves. The afferent ones conduct signals from sensory neurons to the central nervous system, while the efferent ones conduct signals from the central nervous system along motor neurons to muscles or glands. There are some nerves which can function like both afferent and efferent ones. They are called mixed nerves. Let's look at the major nerves given in the human nervous system diagram above. plexus:The literal meaning of plexus is network. In human beings, rather all vertebrates, the area where nerves branch and rejoin, is known as a plexus. The four main nerve plexuses in the human body are cervical plexus, brachial plexus, lumbar plexus and sacral plexus. Here is a brief description of each of them.

Respiratory system

Nose: It is the organ through which air is inhaled and exhaled. Nostrils (also known as external nares) facilitate the process of inhalation and exhalation. Vestibule is a part inside the nostrils lined by coarse hair. Cavity of the nose is divided into two parts by the nasal septum. The superior and lateral walls of nasal cavity are formed of the nasal, maxillary, ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid bones. Floor of the nasal cavity is composed of hard and soft palates. Cartilage is external part of nose, which forms the tip and bridge. Bony shelves which project from lateral walls of the nose are known as inferior, middle and superior nasal conchae. Meatuses are spaces present between these conchae Larynx: It is a part of respiratory system that connects trachea with laryngopharynx. The larynx also known as sound box, is formed of cartilages. Epiglottis, thyroid and cricoid are three important cartilages of the larynx. Other cartilages present in larynx are the corniculate, arytenoid and cuneiform. Epiglottis, an important part of the larynx is actually a cartilage that prevents food from entering the respiratory tract. The flap-like action of epiglottis is facilitated by the corniculate cartilage. Trachea: The trachea lies to the anterior side of the esophagus. It is a tubular structure with 1 inch diameter and a length of 4.25 inches. The length of trachea spans between 6th cervical and 5th thoracic vertebrae. Trachea is composed of around 15 - 20 'C' - shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage. These pieces are held together by tracheal muscles. Bronchi: The tracheal tube when divided into two at the caudal end, gives rise to left and right bronchi. Bronchus is a passage that allows air flow into lungs. Left bronchus, which is shorter than the right one, further divides into 2 lobar bronchi; right bronchus on the other hand is divided into 3 lobar bronchi. Lungs: The lungs are a pair of conical organs present in pleural cavities; both the lungs together form an important part of the human respiratory system. Left lung is divided into 2 lobes (superior and inferior) while the right one in 3 (superior, inferior and middle). Each lung has a median slit and hilus. Pharynx: The pharynx is a body part common to both respiratory and digestive systems. It is located behind the nasal and oral cavities. The different parts of pharynx are nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx. Pharynx is connected to skull cavity by means of connective tissues and muscles. Epiglottis: Composed of cartilaginous tissue, the epiglottis is located at the opening of larynx i.e. at the back of our tongue; it is covered by mucous. Since epiglottis can get abraded easily, (as it lies in the digestive tract) its surface is covered with protective, non-keratinized and stratified squamous epithelial cells. This flap-like structure (epiglottis) prevents food from entering the trachea at the time of swallowing. Alveoli: The alveoli are sac-shaped bodies present inside the lungs. These grape-like bodies are found only in lungs of mammals and present at the end of alveolar ducts. The alveoli functions as an interface for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and capillaries that connect with rest of the body. Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a part of respiratory system which plays an important role in breathing. Contraction of muscles of diaphragm results into expansion of thoracic cavity; this contraction of diaphragm is important from the point of expansion of lungs during inhalation.