Final answer:
The nervous system controls body activities via sensation, integration, and response, comprising the CNS and PNS, with functions divided into somatic and autonomic systems including sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nervous system is comprised of specialized structures that control and coordinate all body activities through the process of sensation, integration, and response. The nervous system is divided into two major parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Sensation refers to the process of extracting information from the internal and external environments using sensory receptors. Integration entails the brain processing the received information to determine an appropriate response. Finally, response involves the brain sending signals to muscles, organs, or glands to execute the decided action.
Moreover, the nervous system's control over the body is differentiated into somatic (voluntary) functions and autonomic (involuntary) functions. This illustrates the concept of localization of function, where certain structures within the nervous system are dedicated to specific functions. The autonomic nervous system also includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which prepare the body for 'fight or flight' or regulate restful states, respectively. Additionally, the nervous system operates by generating action potentials in neurons and transmitting messages through synapses using chemical neurotransmitter molecules.