The human body is at all times performing the processes that keep you alive, in balance, and aware of what is going on in the world. From the regular beat of your heart to the which is and which is not under your control movement of your chest with each breath, in fact a large number of vital processes are at play at all times without out us even thinking about them. At the core of all this is the nervous system, which is a very complex communication system that controls some actions you choose to do and others that happen without your thinking about it. In terms of life support the nervous system is among the most important players in the health care team it serves, it is in charge of basic processes like breathing, circulation, digestion and temperature regulation that which go on smoothly through the day and the night. Also during sleep this system does not rest, instead it is ever vigilant in monitoring the body’s internal environment and changing things as needed to maintain that balance.
Understanding the way this system works also brings to light how very basic it is to human survival. The nervous system does much more than just get you moving and thinking; it is the body’s command and response center which it uses to coordinate between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, organs, and muscles. It enables the body to react at a moment’s notice to danger, to maintain internal balance, and to adapt to environmental changes. In this article we look at the life-sustaining functions of the nervous system which includes its role in regulating key body processes, supporting homeostasis and in helping the body to respond to daily challenges.
The Body’s Survival Network which is the Nervous System
The nervous system is a body’s main control and communication network. It has the central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which consists of nerves that run through the body. Also the central and peripheral systems which work as a team to send out and receive signals that in turn regulate each of the organs and body functions. The nervous system’s life support functions begin with its ability to collect info from within and without the body, process that info and put forth an appropriate response almost at once.
This constant stream of info is what which allows the body to survive and adapt. For instance if your body temperature goes up sensors send info to the brain which in turn sets off the cooling systems like sweat. Also if oxygen levels go down the nervous system changes your breath rate to bring things back into balance. These quick adjustments we see how the life support functions of the nervous system are put in play for survival. Without this communication network the body wouldn’t be able to sense changes, respond to threats, or maintain stable internal environment.
Regulating Heartbeat and Circulation
One of the most basic life support functions of the nervous system is that of the regulation of the heart beat and blood circulation. In the autonomic nervous system which in turn includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions we see control of the heart’s rhythm which does not require input from the conscious mind. From the brain stem come signals which regulate heart rate according to the body’s needs. For instance during physical activity the nervous system increases heart rate to supply muscles with more oxygen rich blood. At rest it slows the heart beat to conserve energy.
This is a vital function which maintains blood pressure and which sees to it that oxygen and nutrients reach all body parts. Should blood pressure drop suddenly the nervous system at once reacts by causing blood vessels to constrict and the heart rate to increase thus to stabilize circulation. These automatic responses take place in seconds which also points out the role of the nervous system in supporting health and in prevention of organ damage.
Breathing and Respiratory Control
Breathing is a primary function of the nervous system. Although you are able to control your breath at will for instance when you talk or do a deep breathing exercise, the base rate of respiration is a0ut0mated. In the brainstem are what we term respiratory centers which constantly check blood levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen. As carbon dioxide levels go up the nervous system sends out signals to the diaphragm and chest muscles to step up rate and depth of breathing.
The nervous system’s life support roles are made clear in this — breathing does not cease during sleep or in states of unconsciousness. This automatic which is that of a regulation system keeps the body’s exchange of oxygen and waste gases at a constant rate. Without this continuous assessment and response system the body would very soon be unable to sustain normal metabolic function and survival would not be possible.
Maintaining Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain stable internal states which are not affected by external changes. The nervous system plays a key role in this which it does by continuously measuring things like temperature, blood sugar levels, hydration, and blood pressure. The nervous system’s life supporting functions are very much a part of homeostasis because for us to survive we must keep those systems in a very tight healthy range.
For instance at times of raised body temperature the hypothalamus in the brain sets off the sweat glands and at the same time increases blood flow to the skin for cooling. And when it drops we see the trigger of shivering and blood vessel constriction which in turn preserves heat. Also the nervous system plays a role in putting out signals of hunger and thirst which in turn get the body to maintain proper energy and fluid balance. This is an on going process which in total allows the body to adapt to daily environmental and physical changes without breaking down health.
Rapid Responses to Environmental Changes
The nervous system’s great ability is to react quickly to environmental changes. In the body we have sensory receptors which note external stimuli such as heat, cold, pressure, pain, sound, and light. That information is sent to the brain and spinal cord which in turn process it and put out quick responses.
A typical example is that of the hand which withdraws immediately from a heat source. This response is so quick as the spinal cord processes the report of the injury before it goes to the brain for you to be aware of the pain. This instant reaction is a protection for the tissue from serious damage. Also we see the same principle in play when we blink at the approach of something to the eye or jump out of the way of a sudden threat. These automatic responses are very much so for the purpose of injury prevention and also they are a display of how the nervous system has the body react to environmental stimuli.
The Nervous System’s Role in Daily Challenges
Every day we are put to physical and mental tests which we as a nervous system we adapt to. In a crowd of people, on uneven ground, to the sound of unexpected noises, and in the middle of making quick decisions the nerves in our body are working together. Beyond the basic function of keeping us alive the nervous system also provides for the adaptability and resilience of our body to different environments.
In that which we put forward into stress the sympathetic nervous system kicks in to the body’s “fight or flight” response. Heart rate goes up, breath rate quickens and blood flow to muscles increases, in that we are prepared to react properly. Once the threat is over the parasympathetic system brings the body back to a calm state. This which allows us to go between alertness and repair is key to do with daily stress and in maintaining long term health.
Why Nervous System Health Matters
Because the nervous system has such a key role in sustaining life it is very much at issue to keep it healthy. Poor sleep, chronic stress, dehydration, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise all play a role in poor nervous system health. Healthful practices such as regular exercise, balanced diet, proper hydration, and stress management support better nerve and brain function.
Damage to the nervous system may bring about issues in breathing, circulation, coordination, and sensation which in turn shows how integral it is to life. Diseases of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves at large may greatly reduce quality of life and also put at risk of death. Thus it is a priority to protect nervous system health for better present health and also for long term well being.
Conclusion
The nervous system which is the base for human survival and daily response is very much so a remarkable entity. It is in charge of our heart beat and breathing, of homeostasis and response to environmental threats; this system is ever at work to keep us alive and balanced. It is a great detector of change, processor of info, and is what allows for quick responses which in turn allows humans to adapt to internal and external challenges at a moment’s notice. By this we see the nervous system to be the body’s master control center which plays a large role in overall health and survival.
