Branches of Nervous System and its functions
–
Central nervous system (CNS)
Brain and Spinal cord Acts as integrating and command center
– interpret incoming sensory information and issue instructions based on past experiences and current conditions.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord Link a parts of the body by carrying impulses to the CNS and back
- Sensory (aerent) division Nerve bers that carry information to the central nervous system
- Motor (eerent) division Nerve bers that carry impulses away from the central nervous system
- Two subdivisions
- Somatic nervous system = voluntary nervous system
Skeletal muscle reexes such as stretch reex are initiated involuntarily by same bers
- Autonomic nervous system = involuntary nervous system Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
Neurotransmitters: functions and abnormal conditions. (Dopamine, Serotonin, Acetylcholine, Epi and Norepi,
etc)--
Neurotransmitter is released from a nerve’s axon terminal
The dendrite of the next neuron has receptors that are stimulated by the neurotransmitter
An action potential is started in the dendrites of the next neuron
Transmission of an impulse is an electrochemical event
Acetylcholine
- Muscle contractions, memory, motivation, sexual desire, sleep and learning. Imbalances in
acetylcholine levels are linked with health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and muscle spasms.
Endorphins
- Release of endorphins reduces pain, as we as causes “feel good” feelings. Low levels of endorphins may
play a role in bromyalgia and some types of headaches.
Dopamine
- Dopamine is a brain chemical involved in pleasure, motivation, and learning. It also helps with focus,
memory, mood, and sleep. Problems with dopamine can lead to conditions like Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, restless legs syndrome, and ADHD.
Epinephrine
- Epinephrine, or adrenaline, triggers the "ght-or-ight" response during fear or stress. It raises your
heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, blood sugar, and sharpens focus to help you react quickly. Too much epinephrine
can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Glutamate
- Glutamate is the brain's most common neurotransmitter that helps with thinking, learning, and memory.
If glutamate levels are o balance, it can be linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and
seizures.
Glycine
- Glycine is involved in controing hearing processing, pain transmission and metabolism.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Regulates brain activity
Histamine
- Histamine helps control wakefulness, appetite, and motivation. It’s also involved in conditions like asthma,
breathing issues, sweing, and multiple sclerosis.
Norepinephrine
- Raises blood pressure and heart rate. It helps with alertness, focus, decision-making, and attention.
Too much norepinephrine can cause high blood pressure, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and excessive sweating.
