What is the nervous system of an insect like?

The nervous system of an insect is far more decentralized than that of a vertebrate; segmental ganglia, rather than the brain, integrate and control most functions such as feeding, locomotion, mating, etc. The brain may occasionally stimulate or inhibit segmental ganglia activity, but these signals are not necessary for survival.

The brain, suboesophageal ganglion, and ventral nerve chord make up the comparatively simple Central Nervous System (CNS) of insects. The ventral nerve chord is made up of ganglia that are connected by two longitudinal nerve chords, and various nerves branch off of these ganglia to reach other organs. The CNS generally resembles a ladder. In more advanced insect orders, ganglia often merge laterally and longitudinally to form larger ganglia that serve multiple body segments.

An insect's nervous system is made up of three parts: ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells found throughout the body and along the ventral nerve cord; ganglia are located along the underside of the body and are connected to the brain, which is located in the insect's head; and finally, the nervous system allows for coordination of movement, sensory perception, and control of bodily functions.