The peripheral nervous system is a fundamental part of the human nervous system, responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body. It is made up of two main subdivisions: the somatic peripheral nervous system and the autonomic peripheral nervous system. Each of these systems performs specific and vital functions for the proper functioning of the body.
Somatic Peripheral Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system Somatic is involved in communication between the CNS and parts of the body related to sensory perception and voluntary movement. Its main components are the spinal and cranial nerves, which transmit sensory information from peripheral receptors to the spinal cord and brain, and carry motor signals from the CNS to skeletal muscles.
Motor Nerves
Motor nerves of the somatic peripheral nervous system transmit signals from the CNS to skeletal muscles, allowing voluntary movement of the body. These nerves are responsible for sending commands to the muscles to contract and produce precise, coordinated movements.
Sensory Nerves
The sensory nerves of the somatic peripheral nervous system carry sensory information from the peripheral receptors, such as the skin, muscles and sensory organs, to the spinal cord and brain. This information includes tactile, thermal, pain and body position sensations, allowing conscious perception of the environment and one's own body.
Spinal Reflexes
Spinal reflexes are automatic responses and rapid responses to sensory stimuli that involve the spinal cord and do not require conscious intervention from the brain. These reflexes protect the body from injury by allowing quick responses to dangerous situations, such as involuntarily removing the hand from a hot surface.
Autonomous Peripheral Nervous System
The nervous system Autonomic peripheral, also known as the vegetative nervous system, regulates involuntary functions of the body, such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, and body temperature. It is subdivided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, which act in a coordinated manner to maintain the internal balance of the body, known as homeostasis.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system is associated with the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body to deal with situations of stress or danger. When activated, it increases heart rate, dilates pupils, releases glucose into the bloodstream, and diverts blood flow to skeletal muscles, preparing the body for rapid, forceful action.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible for promoting relaxation, digestion, and energy conservation. It acts in situations of calm and rest, reducing heart rate, stimulating digestive activity and facilitating the elimination of waste from the body. This system counteracts the activation of the sympathetic system and restores internal balance after a stressful situation.
Interaction between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System
The balanced interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems Parasympathetic is crucial to maintain homeostasis and allow the body to adapt to different environmental and emotional conditions. These two systems operate in an opposite but complementary manner, constantly adjusting body functions to ensure optimal functioning of the organism.
Conclusions
In summary, the peripheral nervous system is an essential part of the human nervous system, responsible for transmitting information between the CNS and the rest of the body. Both the somatic and autonomic peripheral nervous systems perform specific and complementary functions that are vital for the proper functioning of the body as a whole.
Understanding the structure and functions of the peripheral nervous system is essential to appreciate the complexity and the importance of neuronal regulation in the human body. Through the coordinated interaction of its different components, the peripheral nervous system allows the execution of voluntary and involuntary actions that characterize daily life.