Facts about the neurological system

Published on 16th January 2017

THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM (NEUROLOGICAL)

The level 3 ITEC certificate in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology is the foundation training for many therapies including massage, reflexology, bowen, yoga and scenar. This blog outlines the basics for the nervous system.

FUNCTION

To transmit information
To receive and respond to stimuli
Maintain homeostasis

ANATOMY of the Nervous System

There are 3 divisions:

Central Nervous System:

Brain
Spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System:

Cranial nerves
Spinal nerves

Autonomic Nervous System:

Sympathetic branch
Parasympathetic branch

THE NEURON

Basic unit of nervous system
Combine to form nerves
3 types:

Sensory - afferent
Connectors
Motor – efferent

Impulses travel in one direction
Synapse is a junction between two neurones
Neuro-transmitters – Chemicals produced by axon terminals to enable or inhibit a nerve impulse to travel across synapse
Myelin Sheath – Fatty insulating coating on some neurons
Nodes of Ranvier – Indentations in myelin sheath at certain points
Neurilemma- Fine membrane covering myelin sheath

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