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Neuroscience Basics: The Nervous System - Part 1

por Leonore Bower (2020-05-10)


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Before I begin my review of the nervous system, I feel the need to communicate the importance of why I'm taking the time to write this particular series of articles.


"Everything psychological is simultaneously biological" - Unknown


A big part of my career involves attempting to explain the nature of consciousness, behavior and mental processes. Most of us move through our lives unaware of the framework that makes our experiences possible. When the field of psychology was in its infancy in the late 19th and early 20th century, medical professionals didn't have the tools to properly examine how the body accounted for certain mental phenomena. Many assumed the mind existed separate from the body therefore abiding by an independent set of laws. As it turns out, many of these old-hat observations would come to be explained empirically. For an overview of these theories, visit an earlier featured article here: Psychology Basics: Modern & Historical Perspectives.

Today, we can account for a great majority of behavioral and mental processes by explaining in greater detail the degree to which biology influences our sensory experience of the world. Much of this has been illuminated by advances in micro-biology, genetic research, medicine, and neuroimaging technology within the last few decades. It's becoming more clear that components of the nervous system along with everything it touches is the basis for all experience. For some, this becomes a bitter pill to swallow because it forces us to view ourselves as mere machines subject to a deterministic set of laws. It's difficult to let go of the notion that we are completely free agents in this world but much of what we are has been crafted over millions of years of evolution to keep us safe and this comes with many limitations.

It may be comforting to know that, in spite of our advances, this particular machinery still remains more mysterious than some aspects of the cosmos. The brain is perhaps the least understood thing we are aware of. This is partly due to the fact that no one has yet to clearly identify the physical basis for consciousness itself. Consciousness - as far as we know - is an immutable presence of awareness. At this juncture, we can only observe the range of influences that affect consciousness...













Curious Case of Phineas Gage







The year was 1848 in Cavendish, Vermont. A railroad foreman by the name Phineas Gage was pounding on an iron rod to pack explosive powder into a hole on a stretch of railroad tracks. Before Phineas knew what happened, the powder detonated propelling the 43 inch long, 13 pound rod upward through his left eye socket and out the top of his skull. Miraculously, he survived though permanently blinded by the accident.

It wasn't until later that other symptoms became apparent. John Martin Harlow, the physician who attended to Phineas, reported dramatic changes in his personality. Harlow wrote that the balance dissipated between his "intellectual faculties and animal propensities". In short, his friends and family found him to be intolerably crude and aggressive.

Phineas became the first documented neuroscientific case pointing to a relationship between the body and who we are. But before we jump into the more captivating aspects of neuropsychology, we have to sort a few things out first. What does it mean to live in a body? Who or what is in control? How do we experience anything at all? All questions will be answered in due time....





Central Nervous System (CNS)











































CNS
The central nervous system is comprised of two parts: The brain and spinal cord situated within the skull and vertebral canal of the spine. That's the easy part.














Spinal Cord
The spinal cord contains 31 pairs of spinal nerves that connect to every nerve ending in the body. The inner core of the spinal cord is made up of "gray matter" composed of neurons, glial cells, and interneurons. The outer core is made up of "white matter" composed of myelinated axons to facilitate nerve signals. Surrounding the spinal cord are layers of special tissue called "meninges", fat and bone structure to keep it well protected.

















Source




The CNS carries out the majority of functions in the body. Much like a computer, the brain processes information pertaining to thought, senses and interpretation of the environment. The spinal cord is comprised of special nerves that relay information to and from the brain for organ function and bodily movement. Overall, the CNS governs voluntary/involuntary movement, cognition, speech, and emotions.

Severe damage along any part of the CNS can result in bodily paralysis, mental impairment, loss of consciousness and death. Or if you're lucky like Phineas Gage, you may only annoy your friends with mood swings.

Notice in the image above, different locations along the spinal cord correspond to more specific bodily functions. The processes that extend outward from the spinal cord is part of the more complex structure of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).



















Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

In an earlier article, I briefly described the structure and function of nerve cells and neurotransmitters. I strongly recommend reviewing that before continuing.

The majority of the PNS consists of sensory and motor neurons. In figure 1, you'll notice that information travels bidirectionally using what we call efferent and afferent pathways between the PNS and CNS.

Somatic Nervous System

You'll soon discover that within any system are even more systems with different functions. Voluntary muscle movement that is governed through conscious brain activity occurs through a subset of the PNS called the somatic nervous system.

Example: When you press the tip of your finger against an object, that pressure is detected by small receptor sites located in the shallow layers of skin and converted into information [electrical impulses] which is then carried [by sensory neurons] along afferent pathways toward the spinal cord. From the spinal cord, the message is then relayed to the brain so it can decide whether or not a signal will be sent back through efferent pathways connecting to nerve bundles [motor neurons] embedded in muscle tissue for further action. Next time you're holding a glass of water, remember that there is continuous feedback along these pathways that keep you from dropping it on the ground.


Sometimes intensity of stimuli determines whether or not information bypasses the long journey to the brain in what's called a "reflex arc". Next time you touch a hot surface you'll notice that you don't have to think very long before pulling your limbs away from the source. *

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Autonomic pathways within the PNS maintain regular exchange of information with organs and blood vessels thus allowing our heart to pump, glands to secrete hormones, colon to digest food, and lungs to breathe (figure 2). All of which are involuntary, though you may override the breathing circuit at any time. I wouldn't recommend it much outside physical exercise.

The PNS and ANS is subdivided into, yes, two more systems: The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system...





















Figure 1 - Efferent & Afferent Pathways







Figure 2 - Comparison (Click to Zoom)







Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) - Fight or Flight

This is where things get complicated. The SNS has a very sensitive relationship with the ANS and CNS. Its function varies between maintaining homeostasis and activating the fight or flight response.

Homeostatic Functions



Perspiration for heat dissipation

Glucolysis (breaking down sugar for usable energy)

Blood pressure regulation

Hormone secretion. Ex. Anti-diuretic Hormone (ADH) for water conservation

Metabolizing fat

Stress Response (Fight or Flight)

This occurs when we encounter perceived threats or experience long periods of negative emotion thereby triggering a cascade of autonomic responses throughout the body (Figure 3):



Catecholamines released (adrenaline/noradrenaline)

Increased heart rate

Circulation is diverted away from digestion to muscle tissue

Rapid glucoysis for available energy

Pupil dilation for more narrow focus

While chronic stress can lead to a number of health problems, this automatic process has been vital to our survival in the face of predators and life threatening circumstances.

Structure

The SNS is divided between two sets of neurons from within the spinal cord and ganglia (collection of nerves) residing outside the CNS.

The first is a group of cell bodies within the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal column indicated in figure 3 (T1 -12 and below). These neurons release a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which stimulates activity of post-synaptic neurons along various peripheral pathways including the adrenal medulla located above the kidneys. The adrenal medulla secretes different chemicals including epinephrine and norepinephrine that increase skeletal muscle contraction and heart rate.





Figure 3 - Sympathetic Activation







Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS)

To put it plainly, the PSNS has precisely the opposite function of the SNS. It down-regulates stimulation of specific organs, conserves energy and brings the body back into a relaxed state. A good way to remember the function of the PSNS is the handy dandy acronym SLUDD.

S - Salivation

L - Lacrimation (tears)

U - Urination

D - Digestion

D - Defecation

All of these bodily functions are inhibited during sympathetic activation but the PSNS helps bring them back online and returns the body to homeostasis. (figure 4) The structure of this system is identical to the SNS; the only difference being a neurochemical sleight of hand along different pathways.





Figure 4 - Parasympathetic Activation - Rest & Digest







Interlude

If you think there's more to the story about the nervous system, you'd be right. It's an inexhaustible universe even from the perspective of our best and brightest. My goal here was to merely pass over the basic properties of these systems so you have a better idea exactly how much is happening inside of you at any given time.

You might also be wondering why I didn't begin by talking about the brain. As we'll learn in the next article, much of our brain was developed later during our evolution as a species. The basic framework of a nervous system is ancient and is actually what allowed us to first perceive the world. If it weren't for the involuntary process of digestion, we wouldn't absorb nutrients and metabolize food for energy to move about in the environment or stay awake. If it weren't for the function of breathing we couldn't vacuum up airborne molecules to detect odor. If it weren't the millions of sensory nerves across our body we could not feel physical objects or taste our favorite foods. All of these "boring" biological processes give us our reality.

We often like to think of ourselves as resting just behind our eyes. But we are so much more than that. After decades of trial and error on part of cybernetic researchers, constructing a computer model of a brain proved much more difficult than expected. It eventually required constructing a "body" in order for AI systems to be able to "see" the world according to how we would define it for ourselves. Needless to say, there's still much work to be done for both engineers and biologists.

In the next article, we'll finally talk about the brain in all its frustratingly complex glory.











Resources

Biology Dictionary (2017) Sympathetic Nervous System. Retrieved from website

Chawla, J. (2016) Peripheral Nervous System Anatomy. Retrieved from website

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (2017) How the spinal cord works. Retrieved from website

Lumen (No Date) Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System. Retrieved from website

McCorry, L. (2007) Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System. NCBI. Retrieved from website

PubMed Health (2016) Central Nervous System. Retrieved from website

Twomey, S. (2010) Phineas Gage: Neuroscience's Most Famous Patient. Smithsonian. Retrieved from website





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AUTHOR
Jessie Watson

2 years ago from Wenatchee Washington


No problem, Tamarajo. Visual aid is a must under these contexts.






Tamarajo

2 years ago


I selected "my brain hurts" but that is good. I love learning and this is very interesting textbook style material. Nice use of illustrations I need them immensely when learning.






Ajodo Endurance Uneojo

2 years ago from Lokoja, Nigeria.


Alright! Thanks for the clarifications.






Ashutosh Joshi

2 years ago from New Delhi, India


Ajodo Endurance Uneojo,

No offence mate but two things. One I never stated anything as a fact so there wasn't really a need for a fact check on the same. "natural process of unlearning" perhaps not the choicest of words but sort of in line with a previous conversation with Jessie on a different forum. The implied meaning is different than what it literally appears.

Secondly and more importantly, you cannot base your assertions on one finding or research to conclude that 'dopamine' as a neurotransmitter has a limited role and nothing to do with memory loss/change etc. Google itself has plethora of articles on the same.

Peace





AUTHOR
Jessie Watson

2 years ago from Wenatchee Washington


Thanks Mary! My pleasure.






Mary Guimont

2 years ago from Pacific Northwest


Great hubpage ! I found it very informative and look forward to reading Part 2. I will be following you!






Ajodo Endurance Uneojo

2 years ago from Lokoja, Nigeria.


Yes Jessie. Do if you have the time to write on neurochemicals.

Haha, never mind the fluency. I have problems with my use of English. I'm working to improve on it.

I think your use of English is okay.





AUTHOR
Jessie Watson

2 years ago from Wenatchee Washington


Sounds like I need to make an entire hub about affective neurochemicals. A comment section wouldn't do it any justice. Let me know if there's any problems in my use of language. I don't presume to know the extent to which either of you are fluent in English.






Ajodo Endurance Uneojo

2 years ago from Lokoja, Nigeria.


AshutoshJoshi06,

Dopamine is one of the many neurotransmitters we have. I do know dopamine plays a role major in the brain by flooding the brain when released, and creating euphoria.

It is suggested that dopamine promotes addiction by high jacking the brain reward system.

If I understand your point: "I guess the natural process of unlearning took over or may be something with the dopamine" right. I think dopamine is more promoting than reverse any processes within the brain or related to learning.

Yes, like you said, "A sudden urge to brush up a little". I felt the same now, everything is misty because of long time of separation.





AUTHOR
Jessie Watson

2 years ago from Wenatchee Washington


Sounds like dopamine to me! Thanks, Ashutosh.






















Ashutosh Joshi

2 years ago from New Delhi, India


Seems like it's been ages, since I went through study material like this. I could relate in bits and pieces. I guess the natural process of unlearning took over or may be something with the dopamine.

A sudden urge to brush up a little :)





AUTHOR
Jessie Watson

2 years ago from Wenatchee Washington


I look forward to it, 카지노커뮤니티 Endy.

Cheers






Ajodo Endurance Uneojo

2 years ago from Lokoja, Nigeria.


Thanks Jessie Watson,

It was great reading your comment and feel good to know you are open for a study partnership.

Hubpages is becoming really interesting as one is beginning to know there is much more than writing articles.

The people here are wonderful. I am delighted and will contact you when things are less clustered, January hopefully.

Maybe then I will share with you one of written piece on man.

Keep up the good work!





AUTHOR
Jessie Watson

2 years ago from Wenatchee Washington


That's perhaps the most thoughtful comment I've ever had. It's very much appreciated.

Even as a psychology major, a select few classes are dedicated to covering this type of material...at least until I move into the graduate/post-graduate portion of my education.

There's a reason I title my pieces as "Basics" because that's precisely what one must truly remember in their profession. Without a solid foundation of elementary knowledge, there's no way to formulate new or interesting theories thereafter. Everything just becomes an assumption. Anyone in my field that doesn't take this information seriously doesn't take their profession seriously.

If you need a study partner at any point, feel free to contact me. Two heads are most certainly better than one.






Ajodo Endurance Uneojo

2 years ago from Lokoja, Nigeria.


Jessie Watson,

First off, thank you for this simple presentation of the nervous system. Or say a part of nervous system.

Your writing is simply amazing. As I read, I see the obvious. You were good at your task. I enjoy the read and I enjoy the flow of your presentation too. I also enjoyed the bit of historical background to nervous system. I did physiology as one of the courses I took for masters program. The nervous system is one of the systems treated. I didn't know that historical bit.

I wish I read this piece before taking my exams. It is very helpful. Simple and well organized.

Maybe I should take a class with you? Smiles!

Of course, like you said, this is just the pillar or skeletal framework. There is more that can take the space of entire hubpages. *Laughing!*

You well capture this basis.

Thanks for the lecture! Looking forward to the next articles as you have promised.



A Ciência & Ensino é uma publicação semestral destinada a professores de ciências do ensino fundamental e médio e seus formadores.