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Nervous System

Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body functions through its complex network of nerve cells, enabling sensation and movement. It is divided into two primary parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain acts as the body's control center, processing sensory information and coordinating responses. The spinal cord functions as a major signaling pathway for the brain and the rest of the body.

What is a Nervous System?

What is a Nervous System?

Organization of the Nervous System

Organization of the Nervous System

The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

The nervous system, responsible for sensing, integrating, and responding to various stimuli, is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS has two functional divisions: the sensory or afferent division and the motor or efferent division.
The sensory division transmits information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. It provides the CNS with knowledge about somatic senses (such as tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations)...

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System: Overview

Autonomic Nervous System: Overview

The human nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS contains nerve cells, clusters of nerve cells, and the sensory receptors that are outside the CNS. The PNS has two types of nerve cells: sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent). Sensory cells send signals to the CNS from receptors, and motor cells carry signals from the CNS to organs, muscles, and...

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Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

Published on: February 19, 2018

Nematode nervous systems.

William Schafer¹

¹Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB4 0QH, UK.

Current Biology : CB

|October 26, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Nematodes are a highly diverse phylum of animals found globally in various environments. Their vast species diversity, ecological roles, and ancient evolutionary origins highlight their significance in the animal kingdom.

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Published on: February 19, 2018

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Culturing and Genetically Manipulating Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Culturing and Genetically Manipulating Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Published on: March 31, 2022

Area of Science:

Zoology
Evolutionary Biology
Ecology

Background:

Nematodes represent one of the most abundant and diverse animal phyla.
Estimated species diversity ranges from 100,000 to 10 million, with only 20,000-30,000 described.
They inhabit diverse environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, and extreme habitats.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive overview of the nematode phylum.
To highlight their diversity, ecological roles, and evolutionary significance.
To underscore their ancient origins within the Ecdysozoa superphylum.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing data on nematode diversity, ecology, and evolution.
Analysis of morphological and molecular data to understand phylogenetic relationships.
Examination of fossil records and molecular clock estimates for evolutionary origins.

Main Results:

Nematodes exhibit remarkable species diversity and inhabit nearly every ecosystem on Earth.
They play varied ecological roles, including parasitism, microbivory, scavenging, and predation.
Nematodes possess diverse reproductive strategies, including gonochoristic, hermaphroditic, and parthenogenetic species.
Molecular data suggests a very ancient origin for nematodes, diverging from arthropods 900-1,300 million years ago.

Conclusions:

Nematodes are a foundational and ancient component of global biodiversity.
Their adaptability and diverse ecological roles underscore their evolutionary success.
Further research into undescribed species and their ecological functions is warranted.