Final answer:
The nervous system processes information using neurons and neurotransmitters to send signals, maintaining homeostasis and enabling swift reactions through electrical and chemical signals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nervous system is the information processing center of the body that uses neurons and neurotransmitters to send signals over distances, coordinating communication throughout the body. Neurons are specialized cells capable of transmitting electrical and chemical signals, while neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine act as messengers that bind to receptors on receiving cells, allowing for immediate response. The nervous system integrates signals from sensory organs and initiates responses through motor actions or physiological changes to maintain homeostasis.
The nervous system can be thought of as a vast network much like a sophisticated communication infrastructure. The main organs, the brain and spinal cord, work with a vast array of nerves, akin to electrical wires, to carry signals to and from different body parts. This rapid communication allows the body to perform functions that require immediate action, such as movement, sensation, and cognition. In contrast to the fast-acting nervous system, the endocrine system communicates by secreting hormones into the bloodstream, which can take longer to elicit responses in target cells.