Week 8 Discussion of BIOS256: Nervous System

 

 

 

 

Week 8 Discussion of BIOS256: Nervous System

 

 

 

Student’s Name

Department, Institution

Course Code: Course Name

Instructor’s Name

Date

 

Week 8 Discussion of BIOS256: Nervous System

The nervous system is an intricate network of supporting cells and neurons. The system plays an essential role in homeostasis maintenance and integration of several functions within the body. The paper discusses the integration and collaborative functioning of the nervous system within the human body, emphasizing its collective contribution to maintaining general homeostasis. In the A&P series, several organ systems and topics were discussed in detail. However, the nervous system has a complex connection with these systems leading to the general balance and functioning of the human body.

In the digestive system context, this system is involuntary and voluntarily involved in controlling the digestive processes in several ways. For example, a division of the autonomic nervous system commonly known as the enteric nervous system plays a key role in controlling movements of the gastrointestinal tract along with the secretion of digestive enzymes (Forum, 2015). Therefore, it ensures proper digestion, absorption of nutrients as well as the removal of wastes. Similarly, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system called the vagus nerve, is crucial in controlling digestive processes as it helps certain activities such as increasing secretion and peristalsis.

Secondly, the nervous system influences various activities within the urinary system. For instance, it plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance. In other words, the sympathetic nervous system reacts to changes in blood pressure by adjusting the diameter of blood vessels and changing the blood flow rate through the kidneys (De Groat et al., 2015). This can also influence urine composition and production. Besides, part of the endocrine system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis under the nervous system controls hormonal release such as aldosterone that regulates water reabsorption and sodium in the kidneys.

Additionally, the nervous system also influences the reproductive system to certain levels by controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. For example, the hypothalamus releases hormones gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to further release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (Krassioukov & Elliott, 2017). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the reproductive functions of gonads commonly referred to as testes and ovaries known for their role in sperm production and ovulation respectively.

In nutrition and metabolism, the nervous system plays a significant role in controlling satiety and hunger. This process occurs when it responds to signals from specific hormones such as ghrelin and leptin which are associated with the regulation of appetite. In other words, neurons in the hypothalamus usually integrate the signals to control feeding behaviors and energy use (Estrada & Contreras, 2019). Thus, the connection between the status of nutrition and the nervous system underlines the significance of proper nutrition for ensuring optimal brain functioning.

Similarly, the nervous system also influences genetics and human development. The system plays a fundamental role in embryonic development. Neural tube formation that leads to the rise of the central nervous system is considered a fundamental step toward human development. Also, the process of neurogenesis that continues throughout life, contributes to adaptability, learning, and memory (Gash & Deane, 2015). Therefore, the ongoing neurogenesis, genetic regulation of neural tube formation, and the influence of genetics all contribute greatly to the complex connections between the nervous system and genetics.

In general homeostasis, the nervous system plays a central role in acting as the control center for receiving and assimilating information from several sensory receptors before initiating appropriate responses to maintain homeostasis. In other words, the process involves rapid communication relay through electrical impulse and neurotransmitters which gives room for instant adjustments to the external and internal environmental changes. Therefore, the nervous system is complexly connected to several organ systems and topics covered so far in the A&P series. Its ability to receive information, transmit, and regulate processes while also coordinating responses makes it a dominant player in controlling and maintaining the general functions and balancing of the human body.

 

References

De Groat, W. C., Griffiths, D., & Yoshimura, N. (2015). Neural control of the lower urinary tract. Comprehensive Physiology, 5(1), 327.

Estrada, J. A., & Contreras, I. (2019). Nutritional modulation of immune and central nervous system homeostasis: The role of diet in the development of neuroinflammation and neurological disease. Nutrients, 11(5), 1076.

Forum, F. (2015, February). Interaction Between the Brain and the Digestive System. In Relationships Among the Brain, the Digestive System, and Eating Behavior: Workshop Summary. National Academies Press (US).

Gash, D. M., & Deane, A. S. (2015). Neuron-based heredity and human evolution. Frontiers in neuroscience, 9, 209.

Krassioukov, A., & Elliott, S. (2017). Neural control and physiology of sexual function: effect of spinal cord injury. Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, 23(1), 1-10.