also is it true that the nervous system needs the blood to circulate better so it could get to the skin and help the nerves work correctly....
Yes, the nervous system needs blood to make the nerve cells operate.
See:
http://health.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/blood
The nervous system is dependent on the circulation of blood to function properly. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the nerve cells, providing them with the necessary energy to transmit electrical signals and carry out their functions. It also helps remove waste products and maintains the balance of various substances in the nervous system.
To understand this connection between the nervous system and blood circulation, it is helpful to have knowledge of the basic structure and function of the circulatory system:
1. Circulatory system: The circulatory system is a complex network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, that ensures the transport of blood and its components throughout the body.
2. Arteries: Arteries are muscular and elastic blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and toward the body's tissues and organs.
3. Capillaries: Capillaries are tiny, thin-walled blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. They play a crucial role in the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissue cells.
4. Veins: Veins are blood vessels that carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart from various parts of the body.
Now, let's explore how blood circulation supports the nervous system:
1. Oxygen and nutrient supply: Blood carries oxygen and nutrients, such as glucose, to the nerve cells. Oxygen is essential for the process of cellular respiration, where energy is produced, enabling nerve cells to function. Nutrients provide the building blocks necessary for cell growth and repair.
2. Waste removal: As nerve cells carry out their activities, they produce metabolic waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Through blood circulation, these waste products are transported away from the nerve cells and ultimately eliminated by the respiratory and excretory systems.
3. Temperature regulation: Blood circulation helps regulate body temperature, which is critical for optimal nerve function. When body temperature increases, blood vessels near the skin dilate, allowing more blood to flow to the skin's surface, facilitating heat dissipation and maintaining a stable internal environment.
4. Protection and immune support: Blood plays a role in immune responses and protecting the nervous system from pathogens and toxins. White blood cells, carried within the blood, are responsible for identifying and eliminating potential threats that could disrupt nerve function.
In summary, the nervous system relies on blood circulation to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and remove waste products necessary for optimal function. Maintaining a healthy and efficient circulatory system ensures the well-being of the nervous system and its ability to transmit signals effectively.