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Why This Matters for Nursing: The nervous system controls everything from vital signs to consciousness. Understanding it helps you assess neurological status, recognize stroke symptoms, and understand how many medications work.
The nervous system is the body's control and communication center. It detects changes, processes information, and coordinates responses.
| Division | Components | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Central Nervous System (CNS) | Brain + Spinal cord | Processing center |
| Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) | Nerves throughout body | Connects CNS to body |
CNS = "Central Station" — Brain and spinal cord, the main hub
PNS = "Peripheral Pathways" — All the nerves branching out
Neuron parts: "Neurons Deliver Action To" = Dendrite → Axon → Terminal
The neuron is the functional unit of the nervous system.
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