Nerves: Types, Function & Anatomy - Cleveland Clinic

What are nerves?

Nerves are like cables that carry electrical impulses between your brain and the rest of your body. These impulses help you feel sensations and move your muscles. They also maintain certain autonomic functions like breathing, sweating or digesting food.

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Nerve cells are also called neurons. Neurons are present all over your body, especially in your brain and spinal cord. Nerves, together with your brain and spinal cord, are the foundation of your nervous system. Most of the time when doctors use the term “nerve,” they’re referring to the part of your nervous system outside of your brain and spinal cord. This is called your peripheral nervous system.

What are the types of nerves?

You have two main types of nerves:

• Sensory nerves carry signals to your brain to help you touch, taste, smell and see.
• Motor nerves carry signals to your muscles or glands to help you move and function.

You also have two main groups of nerves branching out from your brain and spinal cord:

• Cranial nerves: These 12 nerve pairs originate in your brain and extend through your face, head and neck. Cranial nerves can have sensory functions, motor functions or both. For example, cranial nerves help you make facial expressions, move your eyes and process smells.
• Spinal nerves: You have 31 pairs of spinal nerves branching out from your spinal cord. These nerves can provide sensory function, motor function or both. For example, spinal nerves may carry sensations from your joints and muscles to your spinal cord. Spinal nerves also control some of your reflexes or involuntary responses, such as pulling your hand away from a hot stove.

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