4. PARTS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVE IN MS :
- With MS, areas of the CNS become inflamed,
damaging the protective covering (known as
“myelin“) that surrounds and insulates the
nerves (known as “axons“).
- In addition to the myelin, over time, the axons
and nerve cells (neurons) within the CNS may
also become damaged.
- The damage to the protective covering and
also to the nerves disrupts the smooth flow of
nerve impulses. As a result, messages from
the brain and spinal cord going to other parts
of the body may be delayed and have trouble
reaching their destination.
5. Thefunctionsofthenervoussystemthatare
apparentand/orimpairedinMS:
- The central nervous system (CNS) controls most functions of the body and mind. It
consists of two parts: the brain and the spinal cord.
- The brain is the center of our thoughts, the interpreter of our external environment, and
the origin of control over body movement. Like a central computer, it interprets
information from our eyes (sight), ears (sound), nose (smell), tongue (taste), and skin (touch),
as well as from internal organs such as the stomach.
- The spinal cord is the highway for communication between the body and the brain. When
the spinal cord is injured, the exchange of information between the brain and other parts of
the body is disrupted.
- Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the
brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances. This myelin sheath
allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin is
damaged, these impulses slow down.
- The function of the axon is to transmit information to different neurons, muscles, and
glands.
6. Thewaysinwhichthiscoursehasallowedmetobetter
analyzetheeventsandphenomenaaroundme:
1. I have in-depth knowledge about:
- how the nervous system produces behaviour
- how we use our brain in day-to-day life
- how neuroscience can explain the common problems afflicting people
today
2. I have better understanding of functional human neuroanatomy and
neuronal communication which makes it easier for me to use this
information to analyze how we perceive the outside world, move our
bodies voluntarily, stay alive and play well with others.
