Nerves

Nerves are bundles of long, thin cells, called neurons, that carry electrical signals throughout the body. They allow us to feel sensations such as pain, pressure, and temperature, as well as to move muscles. They also enable us to think and remember. Nerves are vital for the functioning of our body and for our overall health—damage or disease of the nerves can impair our movements, sensations, and ability to think, and can even lead to paralysis or death. Nerves are used in many different medical treatments, including physical therapy, nerve-muscle stimulation, and nerve-transplantation surgeries. They are also a focus for medical research, as scientists seek to better understand their functioning and to develop new treatments for nerve-related diseases.

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