It consists of two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) comprising the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprising the branching peripheral nerves.

Functions of the nervous system are sensory input, integration, control of muscles and glands, homeostasis, and mental activity.

Dendrites are thin, branching projections that receive electrochemical signaling (neurotransmitters) to create a change in voltage in the cell.

Axons are long projections that carry the action potential away from the cell body toward the next neuron.

When the action potential travels to the axon terminal, neurotransmitters are released across the synapse and bind to the post-synaptic receptors, continuing the nerve impulse.