Glial cells[edit]

The amount of glial cells to every neuron in the nervous system is disputed. Glial
cells function as support for the neurons; they produce the myelin sheath which
surrounds some neurons and also form part of the blood-brain barrier. The blood-
brain barrier is a structure that prevents certain substances in the bloodstream
from reaching the brain. Many axons are sheathed with tubes of myelin, which is a
fatty material. Myelin is produced by the glial cells. The myelin sheaths on axons
have gaps, which are called the nodes of Ranvier. Myelinated sheaths help transmit
information quickly and efficiently.

Organization of the nervous system[edit]

The neurons can all be placed in one of two systems, the central nervous system or
the peripheral nervous system.

The Central nervous system[edit]

The central nervous system has a fundamental role in the control of behavior. It
contains the brain and the spinal cord which are both encased in bone which shows
their importance. Both the brain and spinal cord receive signals from the afferent
neurons and send signals to muscles and glands through efferent neurons.

The peripheral nervous system[edit]

Any part of the nervous system that is not part of the central nervous system is
part of the peripheral nervous system. The nerves in the peripheral nervous system
are split up into the autonomic and somatic. The somatic connect the central
nervous system to sensory organs (such as the eye and ear) and muscles, while the
autonomic connect other organs of the body, blood vessels and glands.