Nervous System

Location: Among numerous types of organ systems, the nervous system is one of the most important ones in the body. In the human anatomy, the functions of the body and the mind are managed by the central nervous system (CNS). It combines the brain and the spinal cord. These two organs help in the transmission and interpretation of sensory impulses. The brain integrates and aligns body functions such as thought processes, movements, homeostasis, and emotions among others. The spinal cord serves as a carrier for the relay of signals to and from the brain and other parts of the body. Another role of the spinal cord detached from the mind is the muscular and skeletal reflex actions. The CNS is the center of processing of functions and information for the entire nervous system.

Key anatomical features: The whole of the CNS is enclosed in skeletal structure because the nervous tissues are jelly and need a shield from physical harm. Cranium encases the brain while vertebrae provide the conduit for the spinal cord. Another characteristic is that both the brain and spinal cord are immersed in the clear Cerebrospinal fluid generated in some differentiated brain structures. The fluid guards against external forces and gives the nervous tissues the chemical environment. Moreover, they have capillaries which are impermeable membranes, thus separating the blood in circulation from the brain extracellular fluid that is present in the CNS.

Key physiological functions: The CNS has two types of tissues; the gray matter which is composed of neurons, axons and dendrites and the white matter that mainly consist the axons. The CNS manifests its functions through the collection, processing and acting upon information on both internal and external environments. The neurons have terminals in the form of axons and dendrites, and these help the neurons to create a networked mesh in the whole system. The neurons convey electrical impulses from one neuron to the next until the message reaches the particular processing center in the brain and feedback is provided via the same channel for the corrective mechanism.

History: Galen of Pergamon was one of the first physiology that made significantly develop the experimental and anatomy of the nervous system. (c. 129-216)

The nervous system has many different functions in the body, and is one of the most important ones in the human body.

• Various types of muscles enable motion, generate heat to maintain body temperature, move food through the digestive tract and contract the heart. Muscles (smooth, skeletal and cardiac muscles)
• Receptors in muscles provide the brain with information about body position and movement.
• The brain controls the contraction of skeletal muscle.
• The nervous system regulates the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract.
• Muscles protect the delicate network of nerves that run throughout the body. They also make all movements possible. A muscle is an organ that can ease, contract and, provide the strength to move your body parts. Your muscles are split into two groups called the Involuntary and Voluntary.
• The nervous systems fall into two parts Central Nervous System [CNS] and the Peripheral Nervous System [PNS].
• Nerves act as a train that carries information to and from the brain. The nervous system manages the muscular system. The nervous system is a system that your body uses 24/7.

Disease that affects the nervous system:

• These neurological sicknesses include multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and stroke, and can affect memory and ability to perform daily activities.
• The nervous system and brain problem are in common.

Disorders of the nervous system:

• Vascular disorders, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage and hematoma, and extradural hemorrhage.
• Infections, also include meningitis, encephalitis, polio, and epidural abscess.

References:

• Overview of Nervous System Disorders. (n.d.).
• Prezis, S. (2013, May 30). How the Nervous Interacts with Other Systems in Your Body.

1. Describe the anatomy of the primary organ system in 2-3 slides, ensuring that you:

a. Provide a description of the organ system's location as presented in the anatomical position within the human body.

b. Describe the organs and structures contained in this organ system.

c. Identify key cell or tissue types contained in this organ system.

d. Provide a labeled diagram or image illustrating the organ system's location relative to other organ systems.

2. Explain the physiology of the organ system in 2-3 slides, including:

a. A description of the major physiological functions of the organ system.

b. A labeled diagram or image illustrating one of the functions of the organ system

3. Describe the relationship of the primary organ system to a secondary organ system in 2-3 slides, specifically:

a. The interactions of the two systems, including physiological functions that require the two systems to perform together.

b. The dependence of the human body on this specific relationship, i.e., its significance.  

4. Discuss common medical issues and diseases affecting the primary organ system in 2-3 slides, describing for each:

a. The nature of the condition or disease (e.g., who can have this and when it can occur).

b. The implications of the condition or disease (i.e., the impaired function, the ultimate consequences).

c. The cause(s) of the condition or disease.

d. The prevalence of the condition or disease in the American population.