Human Anatomy and Physiology - N. I. Fedyukovich 2003

Nervous System
Types of Higher Nervous Activity. Signaling Systems

The formation of types of Higher Nervous Activity depends on the strength of Excitation and Inhibition processes, their balance, and mobility. Based on these traits, four Types of Higher nervous activity are distinguished: 1) strong unbalanced (excitation dominates over inhibition); 2) strong balanced, with high mobility of nervous processes; 3) strong balanced, with low mobility of nervous processes; and 4) weak, with insufficient development of excitation and inhibition.

In humans, the first type corresponds to the sanguine temperament (conditioned Reflexes are quickly formed, easily extinguished, and restored). In this case, excitation is rapidly replaced by inhibition and vice versa. People with this type of higher nervous activity are characterized by a lively temperament, expressive facial expressions, good behavior, etc.

The second type is the phlegmatic temperament (conditioned reflexes are formed quickly, become well-established, and exhibit strong inhibitory reactions). People of this type behave calmly and steadily, and their speech lacks sharp, expressive emotions, etc.

The third type is the choleric temperament—strong, highly excitable, and unbalanced. Conditioned reflexes are formed slowly and are weak. A person with this type of Nervous system is highly emotional, easily excited, and quick-tempered.

The fourth type is the melancholic temperament—weak, with reduced excitability and slow formation of conditioned responses. People with a melancholic type of nervous system fatigue quickly, their speech is quiet and limited in vocabulary, and they often suffer from neurotic reactions and neuroses.

The first signaling system provides the perception of specific environmental stimuli (sound, chemical and physical factors, etc.), as well as their analysis and synthesis by the Cerebral Cortex. It is characteristic of both humans and animals

The second signaling system emerged in The process of labor activity, social relations, and the formation of brain nervous Functions: the perception and pronunciation of words, facial expressions, gestures, and their comprehension. In this context, verbal signaling, speech, and language are the primary means of human interaction. Thus, the second signaling system plays an important role in human learning. Changes in the social environment lead to corresponding changes in the Formation of the second signaling system.