Nervous SystemAlex Wiemann

Function of Nervous SystemCoordinates actions and transmits signals

between parts of a body

DefinitionCentral nervous system

brain and spinal cord integrate information from the periphery and

coordinate activities Peripheral nervous system

provides input to the CNS from the periphery carries signals to muscles and glands

Structure of a Neuron

Simple Reflex ArcHarmful sensory input is received by

receptors in the skinSignal is sent to spinal cord Spinal cord activates motor neuronBody pulls away from harmful sensory input

Simple Reflex Arc

Brain Structure and FunctionCerebral hemispheres

occipital lobes: receive and processes visual information

temporal lobes: receive auditory signals and process language

parietal lobes: integrates sensory information and processes information about touch, taste, pressure, pain, and temperature

frontal lobes: integrates and conducts motor activity, conducts speech and thought processes

Brain Structure and FunctionDiencephalon

thalamus integrates sensory and motor information hypothalamus interacts with the autonomic nervous

system and maintains homeostasis Brain stem

Midbrain control posture, walking, and reflexes of eye movements

Medulla: autonomic function including heart rate and breathing

Pons: auditory, vestibular, sensory, and motor systems Cerebellum: coordination, balance, and motor

learning.

Brain Structure

Nerve ImpulseResting potential + sensory input threshold

potential met nerve depolarization + repolarization = action potential refractory period = hyperpolarization resting potential

Nerve Impulse Pathway

NeurotransmittersNTs are molecules that relay signals from the

presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic cellAction potential Synapse synaptic cleft

postsynaptic membrane NT release

Cerebral Vascular AccidentsDescription: blood flow to part of brain

disruptedTypes: Ischemic or thrombotic

Signs and symptoms: headache, change in alertness, confusion, difficulty writing, loss of balance, muscle weakness, slurred speech

Prevalence: 3rd most common cause of death in US

Treatment: thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulants/blood thinners, surgery

Parkinson’s DiseaseDescription: slowly progressive, degenerative

disease resulting from loss of dopamine-producing brain cells

Signs and symptoms: tremor, stiffness/rigidity, slow movement, impaired balance

Prevalence: 1 million Americans currentlyTreatment: medication (L-dopa, carbidopa),

Deep Brain Stimulation, neural grafting

Resourceshttp://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Nervous-System.

aspxhttp

://www.news-medical.net/health/Function-of-the-Nervous-System.aspx

http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooknerv.html

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/psychology/courses/1010/mangels/neuro/anatomy/structure.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001740 /http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5619a2.htmhttp://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/nerv

ous_system/parkinsons/Pages/index.aspx