Chapter 7: Nervous System Flashcards
What are the functions of the nervous system?
The nervous system is a system of communication, integration, and control. It transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body including internal organs. It controls the ability to move, breathe, see, think and more.
What is the command centre of the nervous system?
The central nervous system is the command centre, or central processing unit.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system consists of all neural structures outside the CNS, mainly the 12 pairs of cranial nerves and the 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
What are the parts of the CNS?
The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord extends down the centre of the spinal column providing a two-way conduction pathway to the brain (sensory) and from the brain (motor).
What does the hypothalamus do?
The hypothalamus is part of the brain that connects to the pituitary gland. In this way it is a link to the endocrine system. It plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating core temp, water and electrolyte balance etc. It regulates the autonomic nervous system.
What nervous system activates the adrenal glands during fight or flight?
The sympathetic nervous system activates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine (adrenaline) into the system.
What does the sympathetic nervous system govern the body to do?
The sympathetic nervous system governs the body to prepare to react to threat, danger and stress. It give strength and energy by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, blood glucose as well as by dilating pupils and diverting blood from organs to muscles.
What are the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the body?
Parasympathetic nervous system is referred to as the rest and repair system. It conserves energy while facilitating digestion and elimination.
The solar plexus is a group of nerves related to what part of the nervous system?
Solar plexus is a group of nerves in the central diaphragm related to the sympathetic system and often found to be related to stress in clients. It acts as a “message centre” for the sympathetic system.
Name and describe the location of all 4 sciatic nerve reflexes.
i. Sciatic nerve reflex: Plantar aspect of the foot between zones 4/5 of the heel midway down from the heel line
ii. Second Sciatic nerve reflex: Dorsal aspect of the foot between zones 4/5 adjacent to the fifth metatarsal
iii. Hip/lower back/sciatic nerve reflex: posterior to the lateral malleolus and circumscribing it
iv. Rectum/sciatic nerve reflex: located on both the medial and lateral side of the Achilles tendon
What reflexes would you work for a stroke?
Nervous system: Brain, Hypothalamus, Solar Plexus, eyes referral, ears referral
Cardiovascular system: Heart
Endocrine System: Pituitary, Adrenals
Musculoskeletal: Arms, Legs, Diaphragm, C1, spine (affected area)
Urinary system: kidneys (eyes referral), ureter, bladder (ears referral) (key area for blood pressure)
What reflexes would you work for sciatica?
Nervous system: Brain, Hypothalamus, Solar Plexus, Sciatic nerve (4 reflexes)
Endocrine system: Adrenals, Pituitary
Musculoskeletal: L2 to sacrum, cervical (referral) spine, leg (arm referral), knee/thigh/hip, pelvis area (medial, lateral and plantar), diaphragm
What reflexes would you work for MS?
Nervous system: Brain, Hypothalamus, Solar Plexus, Eyes (Kidney in Urinary system referral)
Immune & Lymphatic: Thymus, Spleen
Musculoskeletal: Head, Arms, Legs, Diaphragm, C1, Spine
Endocrine: Adrenals, Thyroid, Pituitary
