Nerve facts for kids

Cross-section of a nerve

Imagine your body has a super-fast communication system! This system uses special pathways called nerves. Nerves are like tiny cables made of many special cells called neurons. These neurons work together to send important messages all over your body.

Nerves carry information to and from your central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is like your body's main control center. It includes your brain and your spinal cord. The spinal cord is a thick cord of nerves that runs down your back. It connects your brain to the rest of your body.

All the other nerves in your body form the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Think of the PNS as all the smaller roads branching off the main highway. Together, the CNS and PNS make up your entire nervous system. This amazing system helps you think, move, and feel everything around you!

How Nerves Are Built

A neuron, the basic building block of nerves.

Your nervous system is made of neurons and other helpful cells called glia. Glia cells are like the support crew for neurons. They keep neurons safe and healthy. Neurons are the main message-takers. They send information to and from your brain and spinal cord.

Each neuron has a main part called the cell body. It also has two types of fibers that reach out from it. These are called dendrites and axons.

• Axons are like outgoing wires. They carry messages away from the neuron's cell body.
• Dendrites are like incoming wires. They bring messages to the neuron's cell body.

Types of Nerves

Nerves have different jobs. They are often grouped by the direction they send messages.

Nerves That Send Messages to the Brain

Afferent nerves are like messengers that travel to the CNS (your brain and spinal cord). They gather information from your body.

• They tell your brain about sensations from your skin, like touch or temperature.
• They also tell your brain about the position of your body parts from your muscles.
• These nerves even send messages about how your internal organs, like your heart and stomach, are working.

Nerves That Send Messages from the Brain

Efferent nerves are like messengers that travel from the CNS to your body. They carry commands from your brain.

• They tell your muscles when and how to move. This is how you walk, run, or pick things up.
• They also send messages to glands. For example, they tell your sweat glands to make sweat when you get hot.

What Can Affect Nerves

Sometimes, nerves can get damaged or sick. A disease that affects nerves is called a neuropathy. Here are some common ways nerves can be affected:

• Injuries: Nerves can be hurt by accidents or injuries. This could be from a cut, or if a bone is broken.
• Harmful Substances: Nerves can be damaged by certain substances that are not good for your body. These are sometimes called poisons or toxins.
• Infections: Some infections can also cause harm to nerves.
• Diseases: Certain health conditions can affect nerves. One common disease that can lead to nerve problems is diabetes. This is often called diabetic neuropathy.

Images for kids

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  Micrograph demonstrating perineural invasion of prostate cancer. H&E stain.

See also

In Spanish: Nervio para niños