Chapter- 60 - Assessment-of-Neurologic-Function
The Human Nervous System
- Its purpose is to control all motor, sensory, autonomic, cognitive, and behavioral
activities.
- This is accomplished by coordination and initiation of cellular activity through the
transmission of electrical impulses and various hormones.
The Nervous System: Structure
- The nervous system is divided into:
- The central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
- The peripheral nervous system, which consists of the cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
- Basic functional unit—neuron
- The autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system and
consists of sympathetic and para-sympathetic systems.
The Brain
- Composed of gray matter and white matter, the brain controls, initiates, and integrates
body functions through the use of electrical impulses and complex molecules.
Physiology of the Brain
- The brain is contained within the skull, or cranium.