Abstract
Nervous system is the major communication system in animals. Neurons are the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. There are numerous specialized contact areas known as synapses, which mediate signals from one neuron to others. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers liberated at the nerve endings and help to transfer the nerve impulses in the presynaptic neuron to adjacent postsynaptic neurons or muscle or glands. The nervous system has two main subdivisions, the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), which act together in a synchronous pattern with each other. The central nervous system is the major processing center in the body, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The sensory receptors are present throughout the body, which continuously monitor the external as well as the internal environment and send the information to the CNS via PNS. The information is then analyzed in the CNS, which sends signals to the target organ through PNS. Then the particular organ takes necessary action according to the need. The two main subdivisions of PNS are somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is associated with the voluntary movement of skeletal muscles, whereas the autonomic nervous system regulates the involuntary functions of organs and tissues.
Graphical Abstract
Description of the graphic: Receptors are sensory structures to detect changes in the internal or external environment (1). The sensory division of the PNS brings information to the CNS from receptors in peripheral tissue and organs (2). Information processing includes the integration and distribution of information in the CNS (3). The motor division of the PNS carries motor commands from the CNS to peripheral tissue and systems (4). Effectors are target organs whose activities change in response to neural commands (5)
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Further Reading
Bradley K (2012) Cunningham’s textbook of veterinary physiology, 5th edn. Elsevier
Frandson RD, Lee WW, Dee FA (2009) Anatomy and physiology of farm animals, 7th edn. Wiley–Blackwell
Guyton AC, Hall JE (2005) Textbook of medical physiology, 11th edn. W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 764–767
Orešković D, Klarica M (2014) A new look at cerebrospinal fluid movement. Fluids Barriers CNS 11:16
Reece WO (2015) Dukes’ physiology of domestic animals, 13th edn. Wiley Blackwell
Sakka L, Coll G, Chazal J (2011) Anatomy and physiology of cerebrospinal fluid. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 128(6):309–316
Swenson MJ, Reece WO (2005) Duke’s physiology of domestic animals. Panima
Wright BL, Lai JT, Sinclair AJ (2012) Cerebrospinal fluid and lumbar puncture: a practical review. J Neurol 259(8):1530–1545
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Banerjee, D., Das, P.K., Mukherjee, J. (2023). Nervous System. In: Das, P.K., Sejian, V., Mukherjee, J., Banerjee, D. (eds) Textbook of Veterinary Physiology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9410-4_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9410-4_11
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-19-9409-8
Online ISBN: 978-981-19-9410-4
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)