Introduction to the Nervous System   

The nervous system’s threadlike nerve fibers run through the brain and body connecting to every muscle, bone, organ, thought and action. It sends electrical and chemical messages that get us to do...everything! In a complex system consisting of trillions of cells, the nervous system is the puppeteer to our every movement, both conscious and unconscious. If it weren’t for the nervous system, we wouldn’t breathe, our heart wouldn’t beat, and we certainly wouldn’t be eliminating any waste.  

Being integral to all systems and functions in the body, when the nervous system is taxed, other systems are compromised. For example, in moments of fight or flight, when cortisol is pumping through the blood, the immune and digestive systems are suppressed, the heart speeds up, and the bladder constricts. Now imagine what that looks like for someone who is constantly triggering their fight or flight response: Immune insufficiency, digestive distress and urinary imbalances could all be signs that point to nervous system overwhelm.  

Of course, it can be challenging to keep your cool when facing the pressures of daily life. We’re hoping that through a basic understanding of this complex system, you can navigate your way to a more blissful existence.   

Nervous System Anatomy 

The nervous system has two divisions: the Central Nervous System (CNS), which runs through the brain and spinal cord and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) which includes all the nerves branching from the brain and spinal cord out into the body, allowing the CNS to communicate with the rest of the body.  

The Peripheral Nervous System is divided into the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System:  

Somatic Nervous System (voluntary) rules skeletal muscle movement. The somatic nervous system facilitates the bidirectional communication between the CNS and the muscles/sensory receptors. It conveys sensory information from the body to the brain for processing, and then transmits motor commands from the brain to the muscles, enabling voluntary movements and sensory perception.  

Autonomic Nervous System (involuntary) controls the heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion, respiration and sexual arousal. It operates involuntarily, allowing our body to adapt and respond to changing internal conditions without conscious awareness. The autonomic nervous system is further divided into two branches:  

The sympathetic division prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses in stressful situations.  

The parasympathetic division promotes "rest and digest" activities during restful periods.  

Brain and Spinal Cord Anatomy 

Let's talk about some important organs of the nervous system. The brain is the central organ of the nervous system and controls everything from thoughts, emotions, learning, and memory to touch, vision, heartrate, and body temperature. It is so complex that even scientists do not fully understand how it works. It is made up of gray matter on the outside and white matter on the inside. Gray matter contains primarily neuron somas whereas white matter is mostly axons. For this reason, gray matter is responsible for processing and interpreting information while white matter is responsible for transmitting that information to other parts of the nervous system.  

The three main parts of the brain are the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum.  

Cerebrum: The cerebrum (front brain) is the largest part of the brain and controls many sensory and motor activities including coordination of movement, and body temperature as well as reasoning, judgement, speech, emotions, problem solving, and learning. It is also an important player in many sensory abilities like touch and vision.  

The cerebral cortex creates the appearance of the brain as we know it. It is comprised of gray matter that covers the surface of the cerebrum in many complex ridges and folds. It has two hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the right. The corpus callosum is a structure of white matter that connects the two hemispheres and allows them to communicate. This is also where the four lobes of the brain can be seen. The Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe.  

Brain Stem: The brain stem connects the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It is made up of three parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla. It contains 10 of the 12 cranial nerves.  

Nerve Anatomy 

Nerves possess an awe-inspiring anatomical design, with intricate networks of fibers that enable the transmission of electrical and chemical impulses. Central and peripheral nerves all share the same structure:  

Neuron: The basic building block of a nerve, responsible for transmitting signals. Neurons have a cell body, dendrites (receiving branches), and an axon (a long fiber transmitting the signal).  

Dendrites: Short branching fibers that transmit impulses to the neuron. 

Axon: A long, slender extension of a neuron that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body. It is coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which helps speed up signal transmission.  

Myelin Sheath: A protective covering made of lipids (fat) surrounding the axon, formed by specialized cells called Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. The myelin sheath acts as an insulator and facilitates the rapid conduction of nerve impulses.   

Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps or spaces between adjacent segments of myelin along the axon. These nodes allow for saltatory conduction, where the electrical impulses jump from one node to another, increasing the speed of signal transmission.   

Nerve Fibers: Bundles of axons bound together by connective tissue. Nerve fibers can be either sensory (carrying sensory information to the brain) or motor (carrying signals from the brain to muscles or glands).   

Nerve Endings: Also known as nerve terminals or synapses, these are specialized structures located at the ends of nerve fibers. Nerve endings transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands, allowing for communication and coordination within the body. 

Nervous System Physiology 

Nervous system physiology involves the transmission of electrical signals, known as nerve impulses or action potentials, along specialized cells called neurons, followed by the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. 

Nerve impulses are like messages that travel through the body using electricity and chemicals. Inside the nerve cells, there is a difference in electrical charge, which helps the messages move along. When something triggers a change in this charge, it creates an electrical signal called an action potential. This signal travels along the axon of the nerve cell, and the myelin sheath covering the axon acts like a protective layer, making the signal travel faster. 

Electrical Signal (action potential): tiny bursts of electricity that move through the neuron cells. These signals happen because there are charged particles called ions that move across the cells' outer covering. When something stimulates the cell, it creates an electrical charge that travels along the neuron, like a spark, from one end to the other. This allows the signal to be sent to other cells in the body, helping them communicate with each other. 

Neurotransmitters: these are the chemical messengers in the nervous system. Neurotransmitters are specialized molecules that help transmit signals between neurons. When an electrical signal, or action potential, reaches the end of a neuron, neurotransmitters are released into the small gap, called the synapse, between that neuron and the next one. The neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the receiving neuron, transmitting the signal and allowing the message to continue along the pathway. GABA, Histamine, Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine are a few types of neurotransmitters.  

The Nervous System’s Role in Detoxification 

The nervous system is the master regulator of all pathways of elimination in the body. Starting with the lymphatic system, the nervous system helps regulate lymph flow, which carries waste materials and toxins away from cells and tissues. Nerve impulses stimulate the contraction of lymphatic vessels, aiding in the movement of lymph fluid and facilitating the removal of toxins.  

In the urinary system, the nervous system controls the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the bladder, allowing for the elimination of waste products and toxins through urine. It also regulates the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which affects the reabsorption of water and concentration of urine.  

The respiratory system is closely linked to the nervous system and facilitates the elimination of gaseous toxins, such as carbon dioxide, through respiration. Nerve signals regulate the expansion and contraction of the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles, enabling the exchange of gases in the lungs and the removal of waste gases.  

In the digestive system, the nervous system controls the peristaltic movements of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting the smooth passage of food and waste materials. It also regulates secretions of digestive enzymes and hormones that aid in the breakdown and elimination of toxins.  

The Neuroendocrine System  

The neuroendocrine system represents the intricate connection between the nervous and endocrine systems, working together to regulate and coordinate various physiological processes in the body. The neuroendocrine system involves the interactions between specialized nerve cells and endocrine glands.  

The hypothalamus is the highest regulatory center for the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system and endocrine system and acts as the main link between the two systems. It receives and processes information from both the nervous system and endocrine systems in the form of electrical and chemical impulses from neurons, and in the form of hormones in the blood.   

The neuroendocrine system is made up of specialized cells spread throughout the body. These cells are structured much like neurons but contain hormones. They receive messages from the nervous system and respond by making and releasing hormones. “For example, the neuroendocrine cells in your gut make hormones that drive production of digestive juices and coordinate the muscles that move food through your bowels (Cleveland Clinic).”   

Overall, the neuroendocrine system allows for the rapid transmission of signals and coordination of physiological processes. The nervous system provides immediate, short-term responses through electrical impulses, while the endocrine system provides slower, long-term regulation through the secretion of hormones. Together, they form a sophisticated communication network that ensures the proper functioning and balance of the body's systems.  

This connection between nervous and endocrine systems is why Dr Mores always supports both with his nervous system protocols; for example, Brain and Nervous Systems can be paired with Adrenal Support. Register for our free webinar Dr Morse’s Protocols & Pairings for Neurological Support for an in-depth review of product protocols for nervous system health.*    

*FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.