Neuroscience examines the various scientific disciplines relating to the nervous system, which consists of communication between the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout our bodies. For example, if you put your finger under cold running water, your nerves send signals to your brain communicating the sensation you feel. If your nerves communicate that the water feels soothing, your brain may help you decide to keep your finger under the faucet. Conversely, you may reflexively pull your finger away from the frigid water before your nerves communicate discomfort to your brain. In a healthy human or animal, communications such as these happen constantly at lightning speed.

Understanding the organization of the nervous system allows learners to understand human behavior. Professionals of various backgrounds need it in order to know how our bodies mediate sensation, motivate bodily action, and communicate cognitive signals such as memory and emotion. Then, they can better detect impairments, explain problems, and anticipate future conduct in these areas. Successful learners will also gain knowledge in how these concepts are used in clinical practice and basic research.