Human Physiological Adaptation on Proxima Centauri Essay

Human Physiological Adaptation on Proxima Centauri Essay

Physiology of The Human Nervous System

The human nervous system is composed of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system is then made up of the brain and the spinal cord where the brain’s responsibility is to control other body functions such as memory and speech. The spinal cord, on the other hand, has the responsibility of carrying signals back and forth working between the brain and the nerves within the body. Although part of the nervous system, the peripheral nervous system is located outside the CNs. This part of the nervous system is also made up of nerves whose role is to send and receive signals from the central nervous system (Mcgraw Hill).

How The Environment of Proxima C May Affect the Human Nervous System Functioning

As explained in the previous section, the nervous system is a network of interconnections whose main role is to direct interaction between a person and the world. The environment that defines Proxima c will affect this important interaction. Extreme changes in temperature in the Proxima c planet can greatly affect the nerve cells. The hypothalamus – a section in the brain that controls the regulation of temperature – will be affected in the Proxima C where the temperature varies from -40^oC and on the end, more than 400 times that of the earth. The increased radiation can also be a source of radiation sickness which is normally associated with anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The excess radiation in the planet may also lead to neurological disorders and changes in one’s motor function. The radiation levels are also a source of ionizing radiation that could damage the cells in the body and contribute to chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Adaptation to the Human Nervous System

The greatest adaptation that the human nervous system will need to have will be in regards to high the extreme temperatures, radiation as well as the solar wind pressure. For temperature, the hypothalamus will become more engaged. When the temperatures are extremely high or extremely low, the hypothalamus will automatically send signals to the nervous system and other parts such as the glands which automatically respond in many ways to bring the body temperature to normal. Furthermore, for the body to adjust to the changes in pressure, it develops oxygen sensing cells that are adapted to any oxygen levels. The body also generates new blood vessels as well as red blood cells especially in times when the oxygen supply was less (Crisler, Johnston, Sivula & Budelsky, 2020). The solar wind pressure will, therefore, be well managed by the body adapting to the supply of oxygen through the oxygen metabolism process.

How The Changes Will Enable the Functioning of the Humanoid

Thermoregulation and oxygen regulation are two important aspects of the human nervous system. If the body can be able to adapt to new changes and hence properly supply oxygen within the body system, there will be a clear counterbalance even with the increase in wind pressure. Furthermore, the body cells are dependent on how much oxygen is being supplied in the body organs. Enough oxygen supply is a guarantee for survival on the planet. On the same note, thermoregulation helps the body balance in the new temperature conditions. At extreme weather conditions, the body should automatically adapt to how to release excess heat or gain heat (Sanders, 2016). The skin’s blood supply and how vessels are dilated will also help supply enough blood to the nervous system.

Human Physiological Adaptation on Proxima Centauri Essay