Neurons: Their Structure and Function

... Neurons: Their Structure and Function The human central nervous system contains a vast complex of information processing circuits formed by interconnecting networks of nerve cells. Together the brain and spinal cord constitute the central nervous system, which is kept in contact with the receptors and effectors of the rest of the body by the peripheral nervous system. The nerves of the peripheral nervous system convey messages to and from the spinal cord. Afferent nerves run towards the spinal cord and have a sensory function, whereas efferent nerves run away from it and have a motor function. If for example you pricked your finger with a pin, the afferent nerves would carry this information about the sensation to the spinal cord, while the efferent nerves would bring about the movements of muscle groups, thereby bringing the limb into action and to withdraw. Another component of the nervous system is the autonomic nervous

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