Human Nervous System, Research Paper Example

The nervous system is divided into two anatomic parts; the Central nervous system and the peripheral nervous systems.

Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System is the most highly organized system of the body. The brain and the spinal code make up the Central Nervous system. They are housed in the skull and vertebral canal respectively (Chiras).

Functions of CNS

The brain is the organ that controls the body and it is also the centre of consciousness and our identity. It is the communication and coordination system in the body. It receives messages from stimuli all over the body; the brain interprets the message, responds to the message and carries out an activity. The brain is also the seat of intellect and reasoning (Scott & Fong, 2004, 137).

Peripheral Nervous System

While the brain and the spinal code constitute the CNS, the nerves form the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves and connects all parts of the body to the central nervous system. The peripheral (sensory) nervous system receives stimuli, the central nervous system interprets them, and then the peripheral (motor) nervous system initiates responses (NGIDD consortium). Nerves consist of bundles of nerve fibres and each fibre is a part of a nerve cell. Nerves transport messages from and to the CNS. These nerves end on receptors which respond to a variety of internal and external stimuli. The receptors are also part of the Peripheral nervous system.

Functions of PNS

The PNS carries messages to and from the control/ the brain and the peripheral. It relays data to brain on surroundings via senses; hearing, touch, taste as well as smell. The PNS furthermore corresponds to the CNS what is happening in other body parts. For instance, right now, your CNS is receiving a great deal of information from receptors in your body and you are being alerted to the temperature in the room, the touch of this paper in your hands and the sounds from outside the room.. The PNS consists of two major systems; the somatic nervous system (voluntary) and the autonomic nervous system. The PNS controls and scrutinize heartbeat, blood pressure in addition to hormones secretion from glands including thyroid, pituitary along with pancreas. It performs the role autonomously, and thus this part of PNS is identified as autonomic nervous system (NGIDD consortium).

Similarities

The two are components of specially intertwined neurons that are responsible for coordination of activities in the human body. The process of coordination is achievable through stimuli action in the interior as well as the exterior of the body nervous system.

Differences

The foremost inhibitory neurotransmitter with regard to CNS is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), while in PNS it is glycine. The CNS is by and large incompetent of regeneration, while the PNS contain regenerative capacity

Which one is more important and why

We depend on both the nervous systems. One doesn’t work well without the other.

Which System is affected by neurological disorders?

The neurological disorders can affect both the Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous system because the two nervous system work as a unit.

Name at least 3 neurological disorders and their treatments

The specific causes of neurological disorders vary from genetical disorders, congenital, abnormalities, lifestyle, infections, or environmental problems. Here are some three examples of neurological disorders and how they can be treated.

Coma- Coma can be caused by several medical impediments and conditions, including: Traumatic brain injury, Lack of oxygen, Hemorrhage, Swelling, and Infections. Treatment against coma has never been documented and therefore the only option left entail further damage prevention, proper nutrition and blood flow maintenance. Successful management of coma victims, it is imperative for medical practitioners to consider prevention of secondary injuries to the brain including swelling as well as intracranial pressure (brain-damage/coma).

Epilepsy- Epilepsy is usually treated with the use of medicines. According to Dr Jeni Worden, other ways to treat epilepsy include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), ketogenic diet (only recommended for children with difficult to treat epilepsy) and surgery. There are no proven complementary therapies – even if stress-relieve treatments, such as aromatherapy and yoga, may be beneficial where stress is a trigger for attacks (Treating Epilepsy).

Sleep Disorder- The right treatment for sleep disorder depends with the cause. Treatment of common sleep disorder includes sticking to a regular bedtime program. Avoid sleeping during the day and avoid staying late at night. Also, trying relaxation techniques before going to bed would help one have a good nights sleep. Avoid alcohol or nicotine before bed and avoid stressful activities and vigorous exercises 2 hours before going to bed. In all, one has to develop good sleeping hygiene (Bhatnagar, 2002).

Bibliography

Daniel Chiras (2012). Human Biology. 7^th Edition. London: Jones & Berlet Learning International.

Subhash Chandra Bhatnagar (2002). Neuroscience for the study of communicative disorders. 2^nd Edition. Pennsylvania: Uppincot Williams Printers.

NGIDD consortium (2008). Retrieved from http://www.ngidd.eu/public/hand_in_hand.html on 21/3/2012 at 22:10.

Ann Senisi Scott & Elizabeth Fong Body structures & functions. Canada: Thomson Publishers

All about Health. Retrieved from http://www.allabouttbi.com/brain-damage/coma.htm on 21/3/2012 at 2245.

Epilepsy Treatment retrieved from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/epilepsytreatment.htm on 23/3/2012 at 2215