Assessing Clients with Neurologic Disorders Nervous system divided into 2 regions: 1.

.Central nervous system (CNS): brain and spinal cord 2.Peripheral nervous system (PNS): cranial nerves, spinal nerves and autonomic nervous system Function of the nervous system are sensory input, integration, homeostasis, mental activity, control of muscles and glands Neuron functional unit of the brain Dendrite branch type structure with synapses for receiving electrochemical messages Axon long projection that carries impulses away from the cell body Nuclei/ganglia nerve cells occurring in clusters Neuroglial cells supports, protects and nourishes neurons

efferent neurons Major regions are: Diencephalon Brainstem Cerebrum Cerebellum Thalamus largest part, influences mood and registers an unlocalized, uncomfortable perception of pain. Epithalamus small area superior and posterior to the thalamus, involved in the emotional and visceral response to odors, pineal body (onset of puberty Hypothalamus most inferior part, important in maintaining homeostasis, plays a central role in the control of body temperature, hunger and thirst, plays a major role in controlling the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland BRAIN : Brainstem Consists of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain -Involved in vital body functions such as the control of HR, BP, and breathing -Connects the spinal cord to the remainder of the brain Brainstem : Medulla Oblongata Synapse junction between Most inferior portion of the neurons where an impulse is brainstem transmitted Continuous with the spinal cord Neurotransmitters chemical Extends from the level of the agents involved in the foramen magnum to the pons transmission of impulse CN 9, 10, 11, 12 across synapse Specific functions: regulation of HR Myelin sheat a wrapping of and BV diameter, breathing, myelin(whitish fatty material) swallowing, vomiting, coughing, that protects and insulates sneezing, balance and coordination nerve fibers and enhances the Brainstem : Midbrain speed of impulse conduction Brainstem : Pons AFFERENT (SENSORY) Immediately superior to the transmit impulses medulla oblongata from peripheral Means bridge between 2 receptors to the CNS halves of the cerebellum, EFFERENT (motor) and between the medulla conduct impulses and the cerebrum from CNS to muscles CN 5, 6, 7, 8 and glands Lower part of the pons: Internuncial neurons breathing, swallowing and (interneurons) balance

Other nuclei in the pons control functions such as chewing and salivation General functions : coordination of eye movements and in the control of pupil diameter and lens shape Contains a nuclear black mass called Substantia Nigra BRAIN : Cerebrum Largest part of the brain -Divided into left and right hemisphere by a longitudinal fissures -The surface of each hemisphere is wrinkled by presence of eminences known as Gyri and furrows called Sulci or Fissures *Each cerebral hemispheres is divided into lobes: Frontal lobes Principal motor area Important in the control of voluntary motor functions, motivation, aggression, mood, and olfactory (smell) reception Brocas area Brocas aphasia (executive, motor, nonfluent, anterior) Parietal lobe Principal center for the reception and conscious perception of most sensory information, such as touch, pain, temperature, balance and taste Principal sensory area Occipital lobe Functions in the reception and perception of visual input Principal visual cortex

Temporal lobe Involved in olfactory (smell) and auditory (hearing) sensations and plays an important role in memory -They associated in abstract thought and judgement -Primary auditory cortex Wernickes area wernickes aphasia (receptive, sensory, fluent, posterior) BRAIN : cerebellum -Composed of gray matters -Posterior and inferior to the cerebrum -Involved in balance, maintenance of muscle tone and coordination of fine motor movements Also involves learning motor skills (riding a bicycle/playing a piano) Central Nervous System: Spinal Cord -Spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to the 2nd lumbar vertebra below which is the cauda equina -It has a central gray part organized into horns and a peripheral white part forming nerve tracts -Roots of spinal nerves extend out of the cord VERTEBRAL COLUMN -surrounds and protects the spinal cord -7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, coccyx (4 fused vertebra) Peripheral Nervous System Consists of the nerves and ganglia located outside the brain and spinal cord Divided into two groups: -12 pairs of CN -31 pairs of SN