Nervous system of ragwormsThe central nervous system of the Ragworm begins with its brain. The brain is found within the protistomium. It is connected to the ventral nerve cord, as well as a pair of ganglia by a special set of nerves. The ventral nerve cord is surrounded by a sheath which is very fibrous. This sheath can serve as a kind of "anchor" for the muscles that move the parapodia. The nerve cord contains two kinds of nerve fibers- giant nerves and normal nerves. Giant nerves only really use their function when the Ragworm is making an escape maneuver from a predator. Therefore, the giant nerves are responsible for moving very quickly in tough spots. The normal nerves carry out everyday functions. The ventral nerve cord is the one main nerve cord that runs down the length of the Ragworm. Because of this, it connects all sets of ganglia to the main CNS. This, like in all previously discussed organisms, allows for a more centralized support system, and can also provide for quicker reaction times in tight situations.
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