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What is a Nervous System?

What is a Nervous System?

Neurulation

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the...

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...

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.

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)...

Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves

Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a crucial component of the body's neural network, extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS) to bridge the gap between the CNS and the external environment. It encompasses nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2025

Labeling of Single Cells in the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster

Labeling of Single Cells in the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: March 4, 2013

The Deep Evolutionary Roots of the Nervous System.

Maria Sachkova¹, Vengamanaidu Modepalli², Maike Kittelmann³

¹School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;

Annual Review of Neuroscience

|April 8, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The origin of neurons, essential for animal evolution, is explored through early animal studies. Recent discoveries may redefine neuron characteristics and advance nervous system evolution research.

Keywords:

Cnidaria Ctenophora Placozoa nervous system evolution neuronal building blocks origin of neurons

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Last Updated: May 15, 2025

Labeling of Single Cells in the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster

Labeling of Single Cells in the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: March 4, 2013

The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions

The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions

Published on: February 16, 2017

Mouse Hindbrain Ex Vivo Culture to Study Facial Branchiomotor Neuron Migration

Mouse Hindbrain Ex Vivo Culture to Study Facial Branchiomotor Neuron Migration

Published on: March 18, 2014

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Neuroscience
Zoology

Background:

Neurons facilitate animal evolutionary success through communication, movement coordination, and learning.
The evolutionary origin and cellular relationships of neurons remain key unresolved questions.
The first neurons likely emerged over 600 million years ago with the advent of early animals.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current understanding of neuron and nervous system origins.
To highlight recent discoveries in early-diverging animal lineages.
To discuss technological advancements impacting the study of nervous system evolution.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of neuron morphology and molecular signatures.
Functional studies in cnidarians, comb jellies, and other early eukaryotes.
Examination of neuron-like cells in nerveless organisms like sponges and placozoans.

Main Results:

Insights into neuron origins are emerging from studies on early-diverging animal lineages.
Discoveries in cnidarians, comb jellies, and simpler eukaryotes challenge traditional neuron definitions.
Technological advancements are accelerating the pace of discovery in nervous system evolution.

Conclusions:

The evolutionary path of neurons and nervous systems is becoming clearer.
A potential redefinition of 'neuron' is proposed based on new findings.
Future research, aided by technology, promises to revolutionize the field of neurobiology.