Importance of nervous system
How nervous system work
In order to maintain homeostasis (that means internal balance with respect to outside factors), the body is constantly reacting and adjusting to the external environment. Such changes are detected and conveyed via nerves to the spinal cord and brain. Here the messages are analyzed, combined, compared and coordinated by a process called integration. After being sorted out, messages are conveyed by nerves to the body’s various target organs, of which glands and muscles are two of the most prominent. Once stimulated, muscles contract or relax, and glands release their products ( called hormones ).
Your nervous system can be called the first and last system of the body. It is the first system to develop in an embryo, and in general the last system to shut down when you die.
Type of nervous system
The nervous system can be subdivided into the central, autonomic and the peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system ( CNS) consist of the brain and spinal cord, which are protected by skull and vertebral column. The CNS may be thought of as the body’s principle control centre. Here messages are received, stored interpreted and relayed to and from all parts of the body.
The peripheral nervous system ( PNS ) consists of nerve cells and their associated fibres, emerging from and going to the CNS. The PNS serves as an intermediary between the body’s muscles and organs and the CNS.
The automatic nervous system controls the body’s smooth muscles, glands and organs. As the name implies, the autonomic system controls the involuntary target organs -organs you have no direct control over. You have no authority over your digestion rate -except through drug use-and although you can change your heart rate, this is indirect actions.
How nervous system work
The nervous system conducts messages with nerve impulses. These are electro-chemical changes set up between adjacent nerve cells. These chemical changes are under the control of specific irons( charged atoms ), the most common being sodium, potassium and calcium. The presence or absence of one or more of those irons sets up different electrical charges between adjacent nerve cells. These electrical difference ( called potential gradients ) cause the nerve cell to fire , the result being a nerve impulse.
How to maintain healthy nervous system.
Another name of these ions is electrolytes. Many bodybuilders consume electrolyte drinks to replenish their supply of these important substances, which are lost in sweat during an intense workout. For proper biochemical functioning, electrolyte levels must be in balance. Too much sodium, for example, causes the body to dehydrate. Too little interferes with the nervous and muscular system. During a contest bodybuilders often have troubles with muscles cramping. These cramps are caused by an improper electrolyte balance, frequently brought on by diuretics( more on this in the competition and nutrition sections ).
From a bodybuilding perspective, its probably the spinal cord that cause the most problems. Even with good form and proper warmups, sooner or later many bodybuilders develop a bad back. Most injuries are minor and consist of slight muscle strains to the spinal erectors. Reducing the weight or changing exercises should address the problems. In a few cases however, the underlying problem is within the spinal column itself. This is a much more serious situation, so at the slightest hint of such an injury, stop your training and see your physician. To give some idea of why back injuries are so common.
The vertebral column
Thirty one pairs of spinal nerves exit the spinal cord through the associated spinal bones called vertebrae. The great number of articulating vertebrae gives the spine tremendous flexibility. If the spine consisted of only one or two bones, such simple movements as bending over or sitting down would be almost impossible.
Each vertebra has a pencil sized hole in the middle which houses and protect the spinal cord. Unfortunately, with improper exercise technique or too much weight, damage is often done to the spinal area, particularly the lower spinal region.
Of all the exercises that may injure the lower back, perhaps none does so more frequently than the squat. The human spine was not designed to support hundred of pounds of weight. Some medical experts argue that it does a poor job of supporting even body weight, given the number of bad backs diagnosed each year. One theory for this is that human brains outstripped human physiology. In short humans stood up too quickly. We are walking around with a spinal design that would probably by more suited to walking on all fours. Whether or not you agree with this theory, few would agree that spinal injuries are to be avoided at all costs.
Before we look at some of the common training injuries and their prevention and treatment, a word of caution. Please don’t read this chapter and consider yourself medically trained. Thousand of different injuries can potentially occur to the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones. In fact, every single structure in the human body is a site for a potential injury. This chapter merely gives you a general introduction to sports -related injuries. It is not meant to be a self-diagnostic manual. At the first sign of a serious injury, immediately put down the weights, leave the gym and seek medical advice.
Common cause of injuries
Chronic stress causes connective tissue to shorten, rigidify, bunch up, adhere and lose mobility, this unwanted gluing and bonding is a major factor in the stiffness and reduction of elasticity associated with repeated strain and poorly healed injuries.
There are a whole host of reasons injuries occur. The most common include lack of concentration when working out, overtraining, poor exercise technique, too much weight, inadequate warmup, lack of stretching, exercise type, poor equipment, muscle imbalance, reaction to biochemicals and even poor nutrition. Any or all of these circumstances can cause a severe injury.
Surprising as it may sound, your diet can contribute to injuries. As soon as you leave the gym your body starts rebuilding the muscle tissue that was broken down during your workout.
- Importance of nervous system
- Importance of nervous system