Download The Nervous System

The Nervous
System
BY: DYLAN NANEZ
What It Is

The nervous system is comprised of nerves and the
specialized cells called neurons. These nerves and
neurons speak to each other through impulses of
electrical signals. Vertebrates, this includes humans, have
a ventral and peripheral nervous system. The central
nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and
retina. The peripheral nervous system consists of all the
other singular nerves and neurons, the nerve clusters,
and the nerves that connects to the central nervous
system. This whole system is responsible for basically
allowing you to have your five senses: touch, taste, smell,
sound, and sight.
Getting Deeper

The very building block of the nervous system is
the neuron. These cells send signals to other
cells through thin fibers called axons, which
cause chemicals to be released at spaces in
between called synapses. A synapse gives a
command to the cell and the entire process
only takes a fraction of a millisecond. Sensory
neurons react to physical stimuli such as light,
sound and touch and send feedback to the
central nervous system about the body’s
surrounding environment. Motor neurons,
located in the central nervous system or in
peripheral nerve clusters, transmit signals to
activate the muscles or glands.
Multiple
Sclerosis

Sclerosis means hardening, so multiple
sclerosis means many hardenings, which
is exactly what happens. The disease
affects the insulating layer of myelin on
the neurons of the central nervous
system. This can cause paralysis, sensory
disturbances, or blindness. There are a
couple of tests that can help diagnose
multiple sclerosis, such as a MRI and
spinal tap. Unfortunately there is no cure
for this and only limited treatment of
medications and physical therapy.
Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a
person has repeated seizures over time. A
seizure is the physical findings or changes
in behavior that occur after an episode of
abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Treatment for epilepsy may involve
surgery or medication. A diagnosis would
consist of an MRI. If epilepsy seizures are
due to a tumor, abnormal blood vessels,
or bleeding in the brain, surgery to treat
these disorders may make the seizures
stop. Medication to prevent seizures,
called anticonvulsants, may reduce the
number of future seizures.
Alzheimer’s Disease

Uh, I forgot…
Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that
worsens as time goes on, eventually
leading to death. Most sufferers of
Alzheimer's are 65 or older. When AD is
suspected, the diagnosis is usually
confirmed with tests that evaluate
behavior and thinking abilities, often
followed by a brain scan if available,
however, available, examination of
brain tissue is required for a definitive
diagnosis. It’s characterized by the loss
of neurons, leading to memory loss and
degeneration. Treatment consists of
medications to slow the progression of
the disease.
Asperger Syndrome

Asperger’s is an autism spectrum
disorder characterized by extreme
social difficulties and nonverbal
communications. A diagnosis is usually
made between ages 4-11, where
many psychological tests are
performed and a parent interview.
The only treatments for Asperger's
would be to simply try to teach the
patient what he cant naturally learn.
Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson's) is the most common
form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a slowly
progressing, degenerative disease that is usually associated with the
following symptoms, all of which result from the loss of dopamineproducing brain cells. Dopamine is a substance produced in the
body which has many effects, including smooth and coordinated
muscle movement. So the disease would cause loss of muscle
control. Diagnosis of PD is based primarily on a medical history and
thorough neurological examination. Brain scans and/or lab tests
may be performed to help rule out other diseases or conditions, but
brain scan generally will turn out to be normal with PD. Medication is
usually the treatment plan, but if needed the physician may have a
surgery performed, but still no cure.