16.16 System: the neural system  
  In Chapter 15, we provided a summary of CORPUS- the Cellular Universe and the position of the neuron as the oldest and wisest of cells.  
 
 
  Given that human beings are part of the CORPUS, it make sense that all of the cells to be found in our body are also to be found elsewhere in the CORPUS. In other words, that we will see liver cells in other species cells, that we have bacteria throughout our cellular colonies, mitochondria, neurons, muscle cells etc.  
  However, as the dominant intelligence on the planet, we should also expect to see specific cells unique to the human species- cells that stand apart from other species. This is one of the more controversial concepts within UCA- that human beings possess cells that are superior to certain other lifeforms.  
16.16.1 The possession of specialized superior neuron cells  
  As we discussed in the previous chapter, it is the neuron that is the superior cell within the CORPUS. And it is the most specialized functional neurons where we find the key to understand the powerful intellect of the human being.  
  Furthermore, as neuron cells are oldest of species cells, we should expect to find these most advanced cells forming part of the oldest network within the human body- the skeletal, vertebrate, central nervous system, spinal column (hypothalamus).  
  As we also discussed, when looking at a hypothalamus we often consider something so small versus the mass of neurons within the cortex and fail to see the method of nature. The hypothalamus of advanced self aware lifeforms are packed full of spider neurons- whose thin tentacles of axons extend out like a web across the neo-cortex region and back through to connective tissue. They are indeed strange and amazing neurons.  
16.16.2 The nervous system  
  The nervous system regulates and coordinates the activities of all the other systems of the body. It enables the body to adjust to changes that occur within itself and in its surroundings. The nervous system is made up of countless nerve cells, or neurons. The neurons form a communications network that extends to every part of the body. The nervous system has three main divisions. They are (1) the central nervous system; (2) the peripheral nervous system, which includes the eyes, ears, nose, and other sense organs; and (3) the autonomic nervous system.  
  The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It functions as the control centre of the nervous system. The central nervous system receives information from the senses. It analyses this information and decides how the body should respond. It then sends instructions that trigger the required actions.  
  The central nervous system makes some simple decisions, such as directing the hand to pull away from a hot object, within the spinal cord. Such simple decisions are called spinal reflexes. Most decisions, however, involve the brain. The brain is an enormously complicated collection of billions of neurons. These neurons are linked together in precise patterns that enable the brain to think and remember. Much brain activity occurs at the conscious level. We are aware of decisions made at this level and can voluntarily control them. Other activity occurs at the subconscious level. This activity regulates the smooth muscles and is beyond voluntary control.  
  The peripheral nervous system is made up of the nerves that connect the central nervous system with every part of the body. These nerves include both sensory neurons, which carry information to the central nervous system, and motor neurons, which relay instructions from the central nervous system.  
  Sensory neurons run between the sense organs and the central nervous system. The sense organs have special sensory neurons called receptors. Receptors translate information about the internal or external environment into nerve impulses. These impulses are electrical signals that nerves can carry.  
  The body has many kinds of sense receptors. Vision receptors in the eyes change light waves into nerve impulses. Similarly, hearing receptors in the ears convert sound waves into nerve impulses. Smell receptors in the nose and taste receptors on the tongue convert chemical information into nerve impulses. Receptors in the skin respond to heat, cold, pressure, and pain. Sense receptors deep within the body provide information on the chemical and physical conditions of the inner body tissues.  
  Nerve impulses from the sense receptors travel along sensory neurons to the central nervous system. The central nervous system analyses the information and decides what actions, if any, are necessary. If a response is needed, the central nervous system sends out instructions. The motor neurons of the peripheral nervous system carry the instructions from the central nervous system to the appropriate tissues.  
  The autonomic nervous system is a special part of the peripheral nervous system. It carries messages from the subconscious level of the brain to the internal organs. The autonomic nervous system regulates the automatic functions of the body, such as the beating of the heart and the movement of food through the digestive system.  
 

 

  
 
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