Nervous System

The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body. In most animals the nervous system consists of two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord.

What is the Nervous System?

The nervous system is a complex network of neurons and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.

Function of the Nervous System

Development of the Nervous System

Pathology of the Nervous System

What are Schwann Cells?

Bioelectronic Medicine: Hacking Nervous System Signals for Therapeutic Benefits

The Impact of Hormones on the Nervous System

Latest Nervous System News and Research

Understanding the role of astrocytes in depression and neuroinflammation

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition that negatively affects the mood of a person and causes a loss of interest in activities that were previously associated with happiness.

13 Jun 2025

Healthy lifestyle habits may shield aging cells from brain disorders

Stroke and dementia as well as late-life depression are more common in people who have a biomarker of aging called short leukocyte telomere length, according to a study published on June 11, 2025, online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

11 Jun 2025

Physical comorbidities from mental illness drive up hospital strain in Europe

A recent study led by Judit Simon from the Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, at the Medical University of Vienna shows for the first time comprehensively the extent to which people with mental disorders suffer from physical illnesses - and the resulting hospital costs.

11 Jun 2025

New 3D model reveals hidden role of stem cells in sense of smell

Using a newly devised, three-dimensional model to study the regeneration of nerve tissue in the nose, researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) and colleagues have discovered that one type of stem cell thought to be dormant may play a more significant role in preserving the sense of smell than originally believed.

11 Jun 2025

Uncovering the genetic link between type 2 diabetes and brain structure

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder worldwide. Beyond glucose dysregulation, it exerts significant effects on the central nervous system.

11 Jun 2025

Protein ELAV identified as key regulator of circular RNAs in the brain

Deep within our nerve cells, a molecule is at work that has no beginning and no end. Instead of a straight chain, as is it common for most RNA strands, it forms a closed loop.

10 Jun 2025

Study of monozygotic twins reveals genetic factors linked with differences in environmental sensitivity

An international team of researchers led by King's College London have identified genetic factors that may make some individuals more or less sensitive to the environments they experience.

10 Jun 2025

Stress disrupts sleep and memory through a neural pathway in male mice

Stress worsens sleep quality and can impair memory. Shinjae Chung, from the University of Pennsylvania, led a study to explore a neural pathway in male mice that stress may influence to cause sleep and memory disturbances.

9 Jun 2025

AI model detects brain tumors with high precision using epigenetic fingerprints

The MRI image shows a brain tumor in an inauspicious location, – and a brain biopsy will entail high risks for the patient, who had consulted us due to double vision.

6 Jun 2025

Scientists identify genetic clues linking air pollution to neurodegeneration

This review highlights how air pollution and occupational inhalation exposures may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders by triggering epigenetic changes. The authors stress the urgent need for advanced research to identify early biomarkers and guide protective health strategies for high-risk populations.

6 Jun 2025

Personalized exercise and coaching could improve health of people with neuromuscular diseases

While many people with neuromuscular diseases currently face a future without a cure, a new study finds that a personalized exercise and coaching program could improve their fitness and overall health.

4 Jun 2025

New mouse model sheds light on smell loss and neural regeneration

A new study suggests that stem cells thought to be dormant may offer clues to why our sense of smell declines or is lost.

3 Jun 2025

Fruit fly model sheds light on genetic roots of cocaine addiction

In a new JNeurosci paper, Adrian Rothenfluh and colleagues from the University of Utah developed a fruit fly model of cocaine self-administration that can be used to explore the genetic underpinnings of cocaine addiction.

3 Jun 2025

Immune system shows unique signature in Parkinson's patients

Parkinson's disease is best known for its effects on the central nervous system. In addition, recent scientific advances generally emphasize the role of the immune system in the presence and development of the disease.

28 May 2025

Longer time in bed after stroke linked to poorer brain health

After a mild stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), people who spend more time in bed sleeping or trying to sleep may be more likely to have lower scores on tests of thinking and memory skills and changes in their brains that can lead to dementia or second strokes, according to a study published on May 28, 2025, online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

28 May 2025

NCCN recognizes 2025 awardees for advancing global cancer care

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announces 2025 awardees who go above and beyond to define and advance quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care and prevention so all people can live better lives.

28 May 2025

Astrocytes may contribute to memory storage in the brain

The human brain contains about 86 billion neurons. These cells fire electrical signals that help the brain store memories and send information and commands throughout the brain and the nervous system.

27 May 2025

Study uncovers new molecular mechanisms linked to Alzheimer's cognitive decline

A research team at the University of Barcelona's Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro) has discovered new molecular mechanisms related to the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, the most common dementia.

26 May 2025

Stress-induced sleep may hold the key to faster recovery

A new Neuron perspective reveals that stress can both disrupt and promote sleep, with specific brain circuits making stress-induced sleep a potential tool for recovery. This insight may lead to innovative approaches for building resilience and treating stress-related disorders.

25 May 2025