Nerve

Nerve: Introduction

Nerve is a complex network of fibers which carries electrical signals in the body. It is a vital part of the human body as it enables the brain to communicate with other parts of the body through these signals. It is responsible for sensation, movement, and even thought. There are three types of nerves in the human body - sensory, motor, and autonomic.

Function

• Sensory Nerves: This type of nerve enables a person to perceive sight, sound, touch, and other external stimuli.
• Motor Nerves: This type of nerve is responsible for controlling the movements of the body parts.
• Autonomic Nerves: This type of nerve controls the body’s involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestive system, and breathing.

Structure

The nerve cells or neurons are the structural unit of a nerve. They are made up of fibers called axons and dendrites. One neuron is connected to many others and these connections create pathways. These pathways then become the routes through which signals are transmitted.

Diseases Affecting Nerves

• Neuropathy: This is a group of nerve diseases in which the peripheral nerves are affected and damaged. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected areas.
• Multiple Sclerosis: It is an autoimmune disorder in which the nerve cells are destroyed. It causes difficulty in movement and speaking.
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome: It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can lead to numbness, paralysis, and even death.

Conclusion

Nerve is a complex network of fibers which enables the brain to communicate with other parts of the body. It is essential for the functioning of the human body and diseases like neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect this system.