I'm on a little roll here, so please forgive my persistance.

Nervous Systems V PC Systems

This is an attempt to draw parallels of understanding between the functioning of a computer and the functioning of our nervous system. Both systems are based on pre-programmed coding, but I’ve got no doubts that the nervous system is much more advanced because it operates and makes critical decisions even when its designated controller is asleep.

A PC is designed with an integrated programmable binary code system which will operate as instructed and produce a predictable outcome. It also has a protective system incorporated, which can detect unintelligible binary codes, and in order to protect itself from these rogue codes, it will create an Error Code Warning which, in turn, is interfaced to the controller. Most PC users won’t have a clue what these Error Codes mean, but they will recognise that it’s a critical warning of imminent PC crashing, and so they will resort to different methods of trying to erase the problem. A programmer would probably advise simply locating the rogue code and removing it before it manages to become a recognisable and accepted part of the operating system. But a user will probably try several types of rescue because they don’t have the programmer’s skills. Luckily, the PC has already been protectively programmed to allow for the user’s lack of skill, and it will usually negate any attempts which might cause further contamination. Viewed from the outside, this might seem awfully clever, but really its just safeguarding by blocking anything which hasn’t been previously approved.

The nervous system operates similarly, although with even greater complexity. For instance, a rogue infection is detected and a coded signal is transmitted to the brain, to warn the controller. Unfortunately, the controller doesn’t seem to have the necessary skills to translate the signal codes and, instead of getting an Error Code Warning which specifies exactly what the problem is, a blockage occurs, manifested by a sensation of pain, because the default protective system has not been able to display its error code properly. Complex as the nervous system is, it has highly refined self-protective systems which will not allow it to interface with another system (our conscious control) which it suspects might cause cross-contamination. It must protect its own integrity at all costs. So, the pain sensations, signifying a blockage, are a secondary warning system, when the main purpose of the signal has not been allowed to achieve its primary goal i.e. display an error code.

However, the functioning of the nervous system doesn’t just grind to a halt because of this blockage. It is still capable of instigating, on its own, local resistance to an infection, but I suspect that it does this mostly when the designated conscious controller has been switched off, when we sleep. It’s no coincidence that sleep and rest are always seen as the quickest route to recovery, as this is prime time for the sub-conscious to instruct local reactions. If we were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that our conscious controller doesn’t seem to have either the intelligence or the power to switch on these healing processes….and yet, our sub-conscious can initiate these processes at will.

Basically, where we fall short in deciphering our nerve signalling, we have to resort to using our other sensory receptors to help determine the seriousness of any threat. These methods are somewhat less refined, and so we struggle to understand and react with purpose. There is also the big question of how synthetic masking agents (medications) are likely to interact with nervous system processes, perhaps causing the nervous system to protect itself even more thoroughly with possible future repercussions. That’s an issue which should be rationalised before we have to deal with the consequences.