What are the functions of the nervous system?

The nervous system transmits messages from various parts of your body to the brain where the messages are processed and then sent back out to the body to elicit an appropriate response. These messages regulate all of these functions and more:

• Voluntary and involuntary movements of the body
• Balance and coordination
• Thoughts and feelings
• Memory and learning
• Sensations such as touch or hearing
• Breathing patterns
• Heartbeat
• Sleep
• Digestion
• Growth, puberty, and aging
• Reproductive health and fertility
• Healing and rehabilitation