Essay Sample on The Nervous System: Connecting Body, Brain & Beyond

The nervous system refers to a connection of cells known as neurons that run actions and sends signals between various body parts. It consists of two parts, which are the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS comprises the spinal cord, cerebellum, and the brain. The PNS links the CNS to the rest parts of the body with sensory neurons, nerves, and ganglia - a group of neurons. Neurons transmit messages either between PNS subdivisions or link the CNS and the PNS. Although neurology seems to be a complex concept, there are simple approaches that can assist in determining problems associated with the nervous system.

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The CNS functions by integrating information received from both the internal and external surroundings to influence various body activities ( Jorge, 2017). On the other hand, the peripheral works to connect the central nervous system to body organs and limbs, essentially functioning as a transmission between the brain, spinal cord, and other body parts (Franklin, 2017).

Test for the Central Nervous System

A neurological test can be conducted using simple tools such as tongue depressor, reflex hammer, cotton balls, pinwheel, and an ophthalmoscope to a patient with some central nervous system disorders (Franklin, 2017). The test examines the functions of different body structures whose nervous system might have been damaged. The patient is asked to shrug her shoulders, smile, stick out the tongue, and raise her eyebrows. Using the reflex hammer, muscular strength is measured as the patient attempts to lift her legs and arms against the resistance offered by the doctor.

The patient may either report normal or abnormal lifting of both arms and legs. In case she experiences difficulties in lifting legs and arms against the doctor's pressure, there are some deficits in the central nervous system deficits. In such a case, arms and legs are numb due to CNS disorders. The problem is located in the CNS because it is the system that coordinates body activities like lifting legs and arms.

Test for the Peripheral Nervous System

With closed eyes, the patient is asked to indicate whether she feels the touch of a pinwheel on her face, legs, fingers, and arms. Also, the patient is asked to follow the pinwheel as the practitioner moves it via the visual region and toward her face. At this point, the person will demonstrate a potential deficit associated with the peripheral nervous system. She discloses that he feels the touch of a pinwheel on either her right or left leg and arm but has difficulty feeling the tip when limbs are touched.

The report suggests a challenge with the sensory part of the peripheral between the brain and the spinal cord. Therefore, before a scan of CT is conducted, the emergency staff follows the lead. She is placed on aspirin therapy to minimize any blood clots possibilities forming in the limbs and other body parts. The condition may be caused by an embolus, which is an obstruction created by a blood clot blocking blood flow in a vein or an artery. The problem is determined to be related to the peripheral nervous system because it is responsible for relaying messages from sensory nerves to the central nervous system.

Conclusion

The central nervous system has an essential role in fostering sensory input, data integration, and motor output. Ensuring the wellness of both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system is vital in ensuring that the nervous system effectively controls and coordinates the body functions. This analysis has discussed the tests to perform to establish whether a patient has a central versus peripheral nervous system problem.

References

Franklin, S. (2017). The peripheral and central nervous system. Conn's Translational Neuroscience, 113-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-802381-5.00007-5

M.H., Jorge, F. (2017). Central and peripheral nervous system inflammation disease secondary to alemtuzumab therapy. https://doi.org/10.26226/morressier.59a3e8b7d462b8028d895612