Nervous System

The nervous system is made up of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.  The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord while the peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.  The nervous system can further be divided into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movement, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary movements such as breathing. Within the nervous system, there are nerves, which are made up of neurons, that control motor movement and sensation.  There are also glial cells within the nervous system that help support and nourish the neurons. The nervous system controls functions such as motor movement, sensation, breathing, heart contractions, thought, memory, vision, metabolism, and many others.  The nervous system works by sending electrical and chemical signals through the nerves to and from the body's tissue.