What Is the Main Function of the Nervous System?

Ann Larie Valentine/CC-BY-SA 2.0

The nervous system functions to process input from sensory receptors, transfer and interpret impulses and to control the functions of body’s muscles and organs. The nervous system is comprised of nerves made up of specialized cells known as neurons.

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal chord with nerves and ganglia found in other parts of the body comprising the peripheral nervous system. The nervous system is essential when it comes to perceiving and comprehending the external world. This system also regulates basic bodily functions such as heart rate and breathing and makes the movement of voluntary muscles possible.

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