The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It is made up of two major divisions, including the following:
- central nervous system-consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
- peripheral nervous system-consisting of all other neural elements.
In addition to the brain and spinal cord, principal organs of the nervous system include the following:
- eyes
- ears
- sensory organs of taste
- sensory organs of smell
- sensory receptors located in the skin, joints, muscles, and other parts of the body
Neurological conditions are concerned with diseases, injuries, and disorders of the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. The nervous system is vulnerable to various disorders and can be damaged by the following:
- trauma
- infections
- degeneration
- structural defects
- tumors
- blood flow disruption