Basic Functions of Nervous System
1. It controls and coordinates the body functions.
2. It receives sensory impulses from the sensory organs through afferent nerve fibers (sensory function), analyzes and interprets this information and initiates the motor impulses which are carried to effector organs like muscles and glands to show response (motor function).
3. It keeps the previous stimuli as the experiences or memory which guide the animal in future.
4. It coordinates the visceral functions to maintain a homeostasis in the body fluids.
The Human Nervous System
Mode of Control of Nervous System
There are two control systems in the human body which control and coordinate the body functions: nervous system and hormonal system. Nervous control differs from the hormonal control in following characteristics:
1. The nervous control is rapid.
2. It takes place through electrical signals called nerve impulses.
3. Nerve impulses travel in specific direction.