The entire process is set in motion because protein pumps along the cell membrane change the concentration of sodium and potassium in the cell. Its not a magical phenomenon but it does take energy input from the cell. Action Potential or Nerve Impulse:Ī nerve impulse works because the neuron is able to change the electrical charge along the length of the cell. To understand the basics of the electrical impulse, lets look at how this action potential is formed. These channels let ions move in or out of the neuron, starting a new action potential to continue the “message’. This binding action helps open ion channels. These neurotransmitters, then bind to receptors on the new neuron. At the synaptic cleft, or the junction between neurons, the “message” is transferred as packages full of neurotransmitters are released into the cleft. This diagram helps show what happens at the synapse between neurons. When it reaches a new cell, chemicals called neurotransmitters take over. This message relay system is made possible via small electrical pulses that travel down the length of the cell. These neurons connect end to end and transmit messages throughout the body. Our nerves run through our body and help us interpret the outside world via thousands of neurons. The building blocks of the nervous system are our neurons. Let’s give you a better idea of how the nervous system works by examining each piece in this complex puzzle. When a player blacks out, it is often caused because there is damage to the brain, the main control center of your nervous system. You may never realize quite how important your nervous system is until it gets damaged. Different parts of the brain are working at the same time to then communicate the needed directions to catch the ball. Nerves that connect his muscles to his brain are telling him about his surroundings.

He uses many different sensory mechanisms, such as touch, sight and sound. Others, such as his heart rate and breathing are not conscious.

Some of them are conscious movements, such as running, catching, jumping. The nervous system controls all the actions the player makes as he catches the football. While all body systems are extremely important to this player, we can take a closer look at how the nervous system plays an important role in this scenario. As he catches the ball, he sees an opposing player for a split second and then blackness. Without direct mental input, his heart beats faster and adrenaline hormones are being pumped through his blood stream. His mind concentrates on the flight path of the ball, integrating information from his eyes and ears and communicating actions to his muscles. As he turns back he sees the quarterback throwing a bomb to the end zone.

The wide receiver dashes down the field towards the end zone. Finally, we’ll explore some interesting questions related to the nervous system. We’ll see how each of the senses work, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Then, we’ll look at the brain, the spinal cord and nerves. We’ll start with a real life story that might help you understand how important this system is. Have you ever pondered the multitude of processes made possible because of the central nervous system? We’ll give you a better understanding of the complexities of the nervous system here as we step through some of its major parts.

Somatic nervous system controls