Effector systems: what are they, types and function in the human body?

The effector systems are part of the nervous system and the neuroendocrine network. Let's see how it is.

The human body is a complex organism, which is composed of an enormous number of mechanisms that are responsible for ensuring that it functions properly at all times. Among these mechanisms are some that have to do with the way we react to our environment.

For this reason, we react in very similar ways to certain situations; for example, in a threatening situation, the most common response is to flee. The effector systems are responsible for some of our body's involuntary responses..

In this article we will see what are the characteristics of the effector systems, what types exist and the areas of the human body in which they are involved.

What are the effector systems?

The effector systems are networks of nervous cells distributed by the body, which are configured to segregate certain type of substances in the organism according to the stimuli in the organism according to the stimuli it receives, regardless of whether they are from the external environment (environment) or from the internal environment.

These systems are configured in a pyramidal or hierarchical mannerThis means that for the final effect to be achieved, a series of chain reactions must take place within the body, starting with the secretion of substances.

For example, in the case of the motor system, this is formed by neuronal circuits and muscles that respond to signals (electrical phenomena) coming from the central nervous system.

Types of effector systems

In the human body there is a great variety of effector organs which are responsible for shaping a variety of responses in the organism, all depending on the type of effector organ that acts by secreting its particular substance.

Basically, the effector systems can be categorized into two types, glands (those that secrete the substance) and muscles (those that execute the action). This gives rise to an enormous number of possibilities.

Considering that we have a tremendous amount of effector glands and approximately 639 muscles in the human body, the effects and responses that our organism is configured to give at certain moments are immeasurable.

Endocrine and exocrine cells

There are two primary cell types within the effector systems, which are endocrine glands and exocrine glands.. The former are responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream to take effect in the target organs, and the latter are responsible for releasing the substances into specific ducts that direct them to adjacent organs or to the environment outside the organism.

Almost all of these glands are under the control of the central nervous system, specifically the autonomic nervous system..

Types of muscles involved

As for the muscles, they also have a division that determines their functions.

In the first place, we have the striated and we have the striated and smooth muscles. The former, also known as skeletal muscles, are responsible for skeletal motility, since they are attached to the bone structure by means of tendons. These muscles are controlled by the somatic central nervous system, which means that their actions are controlled by the will of the individual.

The second type of muscles is in charge of everything related to the movement of the internal organs. This second category of muscles is controlled by the autonomic central nervous system and, unlike the striated muscles, cannot be controlled at will. cannot be controlled at will..

Movements associated with reaction

As we have seen, by way of synthesis we can say that the effector systems are holistic processes of the central nervous system, which depends on substance-secreting glands and striated and smooth muscles to execute the movements.

On the other hand, the human body is in constant movement, whether they are voluntary or involuntary movements. All these processes depend on the functions of the effector systems, and there are several areas of motricity that must be seen separately.

1. Reflex movements

These are all the movements that we make in a direct way at the first contact with a stimulus of the environment.These movements cannot be eliminated voluntarily.

In this type of movements the neuron synapses directly with the motor neuron without going through the more complex pyramidal processes.

2. Voluntary movements

These are the movements that we make with a consciously established purpose. They occur through the whole complex pyramidal process of the effector systems. They require previous planning.

On the other hand, this type of movement in its majority is perfected with the practice of the subject, by means of the processes of mechanical learning.. For example, driving a car, swimming or riding a bicycle are activities that require a large number of voluntary movements coordinated with each other.

3. Pyramidal movements

They are not involuntary movements, but they are not voluntary either.. This type of movement is what we do when we are doing a voluntary activity and in the background our body requires other movements for comfort and support to what is being done with more attention.

For example, when we walk, our arms move in an extra pyramidal manner, or when a batter fans the bat and his feet turn, these are all movements that our system performs to assist in the execution of the action we are performing.

Bibliographical references:

• Schatzberg A. F., Nemeroff, C.S. (2006). Treatise on psychopharmacology. Elsevier.
• Akins, C.; Klein, E. (2002). Imitative Learning in Japanese Quail using Bidirectional Control Procedure. Animal Learning and Behavior. 30 (3): 275 - 281.