The nervous system is such a part of an animal body that it manages everything. It coordinates signals between various organs of the body and the brain. A nerve cell or neuron does the work of sending signals to other cells.
The brain, spinal cord and nerves are the vital parts of the nervous system. The system has two different parts of its own: the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System.
Key Takeaways
- The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord and controls the body’s functions. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. It communicates between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
- The central nervous system is responsible for processing information and making decisions, while the peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information to and from the central nervous system.
- Damage to the central nervous system can result in more severe and long-lasting effects. In contrast, damage to the peripheral nervous system may cause more localized effects and can be treated with physical therapy.
Central Nervous System vs Peripheral Nervous System
Central Nervous System is part of the body that consists of the brain and spinal cord, and it manages anything related to the body and the mind. The peripheral Nervous System is a secondary nervous system in the body that consists of the nerves and nerve cells, connecting the organs to the Central Nervous System.
The brain and spinal cord are the primary components of the Central Nervous System. Receiving sensory impulses or signals from the effector organ and sending back the required responses is what the CNS does.
The nerve axons carry the nerve impulses. The CNS is further categorised into two varieties of matter; one is grey, and another is white. Talking of grey matter consists of neurons, and white matter consists of nerve axons.
On the other hand, the nerve cells and nerves are the main components of the Peripheral System. It delivers information to the CNS and then sends the received response to the effector organs.
The neurons and clusters of neurons that do the work are known as Ganglia. The PNS is further divided into Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Central Nervous System | Peripheral Nervous System |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | The brain and spinal cord are its primary composition. | Nerves and nerve cells are their primary composition. |
| Function | It carries impulses to and from the organs and the brain. | It carries impulses between the CNS and the effector organs. |
| Regeneration of Nerves | The CNS does not possess the capability of regenerating nerves. | Almost every nerve of the PNS is regenerated easily. |
| Effect of Damage | Damage caused to it can affect the whole body. | Damage caused to it only affects the specific area. |
| Protection | It has physical protection from the skull bones and spinal column. | No protection is given to it. |
What is Central Nervous System?
The Central Nervous System, or as abbreviated, the CNS, is there for managing and coordinating almost everything within the body and mind. There are two main parts to it; the brain and spinal cord.
In the body, the centre of thinking and reactions is the brain. It decodes information from various organs. The spinal cord acts as a communication channel between other organs and the brain.
The CNS needs a high amount of protection from injuries all the time. As it is the main system that manages sensory signals, any damage to it can be a major threat to the whole body.
Bones of the skull and the spinal column provide a primary defence to the CNS from any physical injury. Unlike other organs of the body, the CNS cannot repair itself from injuries.
Neurons connect to send and receive signals from the brain through the spinal cord to the other organs and vice-versa. Astrocytes act as the basic support for the brain and spinal cord.
Microglia work to provide immunity to the brain. Oligodendrocytes have myelin which wraps axon fibres.
Synapses are the tiny gaps between the neurons, which transmit signals from one neuron to another. Neurotransmitters help in this process.
When the signals finally reach the brain, they are interpreted, and the reaction signals are sent back to the effector organs within the animal body.
What is Peripheral Nervous System?
The Peripheral Nervous System abbreviated the PNS, is the secondary nervous system in animals. It is composed of nerves and nerve cells in clusters.
It is known for connecting other organs with the Central Nervous System. Basically, it acts as a connection channel between the brain, spinal cord and the body for sensory signals.
Going on further, the PNS has two systems: Somatic and Autonomic. The SNS takes voluntary control over movements taking place in the body.
In contrast, the ANS has involuntary control over smooth muscle cells and glands. The SNS does the work of transmitting signals from the senses. The ANS takes care of the heart rate or digestion.
There is no physical protection introduced for the PNS in the body, unlike the CNS. It remains exposed to injuries and toxins all the time.
This leads to the threat of various diseases for the PNS. If a peripheral nerve gets damaged in a mechanical injury, mononeuropathy is caused.
Again, there is Carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs due to the increased size of other components.
Various types of actions need different responses that suit them. After the CNS decodes the sensory signals, the message is sent to the effector organs going through the PNS to deliver the required reaction.
Main Differences Between Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System
- The CNS constitutes the brain and spinal cord, and the PNS constitutes neurons and nerves.
- The CNS carries signals from the brain to the body, while the PNS carries signals from the CNS to the organs.
- Only the PNS is capable of nerve regeneration.
- Damage to the CNS affects the whole body, while the PNS is only affected when any damage happens to it.
- Only the CNS has physical protection from other organs.
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2015/251204/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012160698989138
Last Updated : 17 August, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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Absolutely, understanding the nuances of the nervous system is vital for gaining insights into its complexities.
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Absolutely, the comparison between the two systems highlights the unique characteristics of each.
The functions of the peripheral nervous system and the communication between the CNS and the effector organs are essential for understanding the interplay of the nervous system within the body.
Indeed, the interaction between the CNS and PNS is fascinating and integral for bodily functions.