EARTH PHYSIOLOGYThe nervous system, operating through the use of electrochemical impulses, serves the body in a variety of ways. These impulses consist of electrical and chemical transmission pulses that travel through the body's extensive network of nerve fibers. The nervous system functions as the body's lookout; as gatherer of information about the world outside of us as well as the one within us; as the clearinghouse where this information is processed for instant use or future reference; as the body's general communications center; and as headquarters for mapping the strategy and making the decisions about everything the body does. The nervous system, in short, is the initiator of the body's muscular activity, and the regulator of our mental and physical functions. Here on Earth, it works hand in hand with gravity, predicting, planning, and executing our every physical move. After we examine the basic structure of the nervous system and discuss the various sensory and motor functions of our body, we should begin to see how the senses unite to provide information that enables us to maintain our equilibrium, or balance.Let's begin with a description of our nervous system, brain, and sensory system.
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