Structures and Functions of the Nervous System, Essay Example

Genes Evolution and Environment

Genes are important in the psychological context because the biology and hereditary aspects of genes are the foundation upon which psychologists can commence their work. The concept inter-twines biological testing as an input to psychological assessment. Evolution spans back to the important contributions by Darwin and considers how animal species have the capacity to survive upon adapting to environmental conditions. Such skills and traits are often passed down to future generations. Environmental scans are a pre-determinant in psychology for contributory factors towards mental illness and other psychological conditions. The environment is often a good barometer in terms of what is taking place and helps in deciding the most appropriate therapy in order to treat the problem.

Brain Source of Mind And Self

The individual is designed to operate in a number of distinct ways: (1) The concept of the higher self (2) The reception of the physical brain and (3) the perception of the personality and mind. The higher self concentrates on the holistic vision or the big picture of events and considers the impact of future obstacles. The brain communicates through intuition and acts as a guide through sixth sense perceptions. It is the ability of making the mind focus upon awareness and the possibility of something that may happen. The human mind and the consciousness are still controversial subjects in psychology and the debate continues in terms of whether this is a physical description. Nervous system infections, particularly to the central nervous system can result in altered mental states i.e. infections (meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess – this often associated with an altered level of consciousness.  Infections to the CNS have extremely high morbidity rates and require immediate treatment.

Body Rhythms and Mental State

Body rhythms or biological rhythms are concerned with the aspect of consciousness and the dream state. Essentially the awareness of oneself and the environment around you. Biological events may be synchronized with external events like time or clock changes, weather pressure systems, temperature change and daylight conditions. The following are examples of endogenous body rhythms:

Circadian Rhythms

• Happens about every 24 hours as in the sleep/wake cycle
• Infradian Rhythms
• Frequency less than a day, g. bird migration cycle
• Ultradian Rhythms
• Frequency of more than once a day, about every 90min e.g. stomach contractions

The Central Nervous System  might be considered as the most important element of the body as it is responsible for the biological process of consciousness and the Central Nervous System  is shielded by bone i.e. the cranium that protects the brain and the spine protecting the spinal cord.  The actual mechanisms of the consciousness are controlled by the Cerebral cortex.  The scientific debate continues however, as to whether this may be classified as a physical component of the brain. Consciousness has continued to baffle scientists and it remains one of the most difficult areas to both define and interpret. Philosophers have considered the mind as being metaphysical and linked to the mind or spiritual attributes of the physical body.  A healthy mind in a healthy body is considered by most as the essential factor in leading a rewarding and productive life.