The Nervous System

Complex processes that need precise movements such as sewing, are made possible by the sophistication of the nervous system.

The human body contains at least two major communication systems. Once is the nervous system, which transmits by rapid traveling chemical-electrical signals, and processes information in exquisitely elaborate networks of nerve cells called neurons. The other is the system of endocrine glands that communicates by blood-borne chemical messengers called hormones.

The nervous system is conceptually divided into two major parts, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord enclosed in the bony protective sheaths of the skull and the spinal column. The peripheral nervous system extends throughout the body outside the brain and spinal cord. 

The central nervous system analyses and initiates responses. Sensory nerves around the boy gather information and carry response signals through nerve cells back to the CNS. Motor nerves take instructions from the brain and spinal cord out to muscles to initiate movement. Autonomic nerves control functions like sweating, heart rate and sexual arousal. 



The brain is the body's control centre and the largest organ of the central nervous system. It receives, sorts, interprets, and stores sensations and information from the nerves that extend from the CNS to every part of the body. 

The peripheral nervous system, comprised of all parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, includes the enteric, somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The enteric nervous system controls visceral functions. The somatic nervous system consists of the motor and sensory nerves and their bodily counterparts. The autonomic nervous system is important in maintaining survival and is divided into two complementary and "antagonistic" branches. The sympathetic branch involves the "fight or flight" functions that prepare the organism for activity. The parasympathetic branch relaxes the body and conserves energy. 

Many problems associated with the nervous system can ease with the use of magnesium.Magnesium is known to have a powerful calming effect on the nervous system. For effective functioning of our body enzymes, they need the presence of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is a cause of many problems and diseases in man. This includes osteoporosis; muscle dysfunction; depression; apathy; cardiac arrythmia; hypertension; atherosclerosis; and even stress and aging. For optimum functioning of our nervous system, we should eat more fruits, vegetables, healthy meat and take supplements such as magnesium gluconate or magnesium vitamin. Researchers suggest that for every 2.2 pounds (one kilogram) of body weight, we should ingest six mg of magnesium. For overall health, the nervous system, and to help reduce inflammation, consider adding a magnesium supplement to your diet.