Nervous System
Nerves, Brain, and Spinal Cord
Functions of the Nervous System
Communication between body systems
Integration of body functions
- Control of body functions
- Recognition of sensory stimuli
Three Parts of the Nervous System
Central Nervous System (CNS)- brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)- all the nerves
- Autonomic Nervous System(ANS)- structures that regulate the bodies automatic or voluntary actions
Neurons- Nerve Cells
- Sensory Neurons- transmit impulses to the brain and spinal cord from all parts of the body
- Motor Neurons- transmit impulses from the central nervous system to the muscles+ glands
- Interneurons- conduct impulses from sensory neurons to motor neurons
Functions of the neurons
- Allow us to preform multiple voluntary actions at one time
ex.chew our food, walk, and preform coordinated ,muscle contractions
- Allow us to recognize certain stimuli ex. heat, light, and temperature
Brain- Makeup of Brainstem
- Medulla Oblongata- Two-way pathway between the spinal cord and higher section of brain. Controls: cardiac, respiratory, and vasomotor (blood vessels) control centers
- Pons- Two-way pathway between the and brain and other regions of the body, influences respiration.
- Midbrain- Two-way pathway, relay visual and auditory (hearing) impulses
- Cerebellum- Controls muscle and posture
- Impulses from these centers are important for regulating blood pressure
Spinal Cord
- Primary reflex center of the body
- Withdrawal reflex- pulling your hand away from a hot surface
- Jerk Reflex- having your knee jerk when it gets tapped
- Carries impulses to and from the brain, making all body functions possible
- Since nervous tissue is not sturdy, the spinal cord is surrounded by fluid-containing membrane for protection
Conditions within the Nervous System
Multiple Screrosis (MS)
- The bodies immune system attacks it's own tissue, which causes progressive damage
- May be a genetic disorder or from external factors such as a childhood illness.
What are some symptoms?
- Blurry vision, slurred speech, coordination and balance problems
- Numbness or tingling in any part of the body
- Weakness in body and feeling of heaviness in arms and legs
How is someone treated with MS?
- Their are numerous different medications that can help someone with the symptoms
- However their is no cure for MS, it's about being able to cope with the MS attacks
Alzheimer's Disease
- Build up of abnormal protein in the brain, which causes the brain to shrink
- Progressive loss of mental abilities, known as dementia
What are some symptoms?
- Poor concentration, unusual forgetfulness
- Difficulty understanding written and spoken language
- Wandering and getting lost even in familiar locations
- Rapid mood swings, personality changes, and aggression
- Slow movements and unsteady walking
How is someone treated with Alzheimer's?
- Their is no cure but some drugs can help slow loss of mental abilities
- Separate symptoms such as depression can be relieved with medications
Comparisons of brains
Nerve cells with protein build up
Symptoms
Spinal Injuries
- Most commonly caused by traffic actions, or certain sports
- Area damaged are the muscles of back and neck, bones of the spine, and ligaments that hold the bones together
What are some symptoms?
- Headache, neck pain and stiffing
- Loss of sensation, difficulty breathing , and weakness
- Inability to move affected parts
- Problems with control of the bladder and bowel
How is someone treated with spinal injuries?
- If their is ligament and muscle damage but the vertebrae is not damaged, bed rest and regular monitoring will only be needed
- Physical therapy can help strengthen damaged area
- If vertebrate becomes damaged, surgery will be needed. However people who have irreversible damage may become paralyzed and long term physical therapy will be needed to maintain muscle strength
Injury can happen to anyone
Extent of injury
Spinal cord break
Current Event- Jermicheal Finley's injury
Sited Sources
Goldmann, David R.. American College of Physicians complete home medical guide. New York: DK Pub., 1999. Print.
"Jermichael Finley Is Fighting Back | The MMQB with Peter King." The MMQB with Peter King Jermichael Finley Is Fighting Back Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. <http://mmqb.si.com/2014/02/19/jermichael-finley-injury-rehab/>.
"Nerve Cells." Eduction Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. <http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-are-nerve-cells-function-types-structure.html#lesson>.
"Neurons." Neurons. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. <http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/Neurons.html>.
Thibodeau, Gary A., and Kevin T. Patton. Structure & function of the body. 12th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby, 2004. Print.
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