The nervous system controls everything from our thoughts and emotions to our movements and reflexes—but it’s made up of two major parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).| Simply Psychology
The somatic nervous system (SNS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement and processes external stimuli through two types of neurons: motor neurons (activating muscles) and sensory neurons (relaying information to the central nervous system).| Simply Psychology
The brainstem is the stalk-like lower part of the brain that connects the main brain (cerebrum) to the spinal cord. It sits at the base of the skull, just above the spinal cord, and is considered part of the central nervous system (CNS).| Simply Psychology
The human brain is a complex organ, made up of several distinct parts, each responsible for different functions. The cerebrum, the largest part, is responsible for sensory interpretation, thought processing, and voluntary muscle activity. Beneath it is the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and oversees automatic processes like breathing and heart rate. The limbic system, containing structures like the hippocampus and amygd...| Simply Psychology
Think of neurotransmitters as instant messages between nerve cells: fast, direct, and short-lived. Hormones, on the other hand, are more like letters sent through the mail—slower, but able to travel long distances in the body and create lasting effects.| Simply Psychology
Sensory neurons carry incoming information from the sensory receptors of the body toward the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), whereas motor neurons carry outgoing commands away from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands.| Simply Psychology
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is critical for connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. It is essential for bodily functions such as movement, sensation, and autonomic processes.| Simply Psychology
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response.| Simply Psychology
Schwann cells are a special type of cell found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They play a key role in helping nerves work efficiently by wrapping around nerve fibers and forming a protective layer called the myelin sheath.| Simply Psychology
Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain through pre-natal development and as adults. This phenomenon primarily occurs in the hippocampus playing a crucial role in learning, memory, and cognitive flexibility. Factors like exercise, enriched environments, and certain drugs can promote neurogenesis, while stress and aging may inhibit it.| Simply Psychology
Motor neurons are nerve cells that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to your muscles and glands. They control everything from blinking and walking to breathing and digestion.| Simply Psychology
Glial cells, also called glial cells or neuroglia, are cell which are non-neuronal and are located within the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system that provides physical and metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation and communication, and nutrient and waste transport.| Simply Psychology
A neuron is a nerve cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system. Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites (which receive signals), and an axon (which sends signals). Synaptic connections allow communication between neurons, facilitating the relay of information throughout the body.| Simply Psychology