ATI Nursing Study Guide: Nervous System (Chapter 10)
Nervous System Overview
The nervous system is responsible for coordinating the body's activities,
responding to stimuli, processing information, and maintaining homeostasis.
It is divided into two main parts:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS):
o Brain and Spinal Cord.
o Processes sensory information, integrates data, and produces
motor responses.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
o Composed of nerves that extend from the CNS to the rest of the
body.
o Cranial nerves and spinal nerves are part of the PNS.
Cells of the Nervous System
1. Neurons (Nerve Cells):
o The functional unit of the nervous system that transmits nerve
impulses.
o Components of a Neuron:
Cell body: Contains the nucleus and organelles.
Dendrites: Branch-like structures that receive impulses.
Axon: Transmits impulses away from the cell body.
2. Glia (Neuroglia):
o Support cells for neurons.
o Types of Glial Cells in CNS:
Astrocytes: Star-shaped cells that anchor blood vessels to
neurons.
Microglia: Involved in phagocytosis to clean up debris.
Oligodendrocytes: Form myelin sheaths around axons in
the CNS.
Nervous Tissue Conditions
1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
o Characterized by the loss of myelin, leading to impaired nerve
conduction.
o Symptoms: muscle weakness, coordination problems, vision
problems.
2. Neurofibromatosis:
o Genetic condition causing the growth of numerous benign tumors
on nerves.
Structure of a Nerve
Nerve: A bundle of peripheral axons that transmit electrical signals.
Tract: A bundle of central axons found in the brain or spinal cord.
White Matter: Composed of myelinated axons; primarily in tracts.
Gray Matter: Composed of neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated
fibers.
Nerve Impulse & Neurotransmitters
Nerve impulses are transmitted through neurons by electrical signals.
Neurotransmitters (chemicals that help transmit impulses) include:
o Acetylcholine
o Catecholamines (norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin)
o Endorphins and Enkephalins (pain control)
o Nitric Oxide (NO)
Conditions Related to Neurotransmitters:
Parkinsonism/Parkinson's Disease: Characterized by low dopamine
levels, causing tremors and rigidity.
The Brain
1. Cerebrum:
o Largest part of the brain responsible for sensory processing,
motor control, memory, and voluntary movement.
o Cerebral Cortex: Outer layer of gray matter, made up of lobes.
Frontal lobe: Movement, reasoning, problem-solving,
emotions.
Parietal lobe: Sensory processing.
Temporal lobe: Hearing, memory, speech.
Occipital lobe: Vision.
2. Cerebellum:
o Coordinates muscle contractions, balance, and smooth
movements.
3. Brainstem:
o Includes the Midbrain, Pons, and Medulla oblongata.
o Controls basic life functions like breathing, heart rate, and
reflexes.
4. Diencephalon:
o Contains the Hypothalamus, Thalamus, and Pineal gland.
o Hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and
emotional responses.
Brain Disorders
1. Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA, Stroke):
o Occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to
brain cell death.
2. Cerebral Palsy (CP):
o A condition caused by damage to motor control areas of the
brain, leading to paralysis or motor impairment.
3. Degenerative Diseases:
o Dementia: Progressive loss of cognitive function.
o Alzheimer's Disease: Characterized by memory loss,
confusion, and cognitive decline.
o Huntington Disease: Genetic disorder leading to uncontrollable
movements and dementia.
4. Seizure Disorders:
o Epilepsy: A disorder marked by recurring seizures, caused by
abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord serves as the communication highway between the
brain and the rest of the body.
Structure:
o White Matter: Contains myelinated nerve fibers (tracts).
o Gray Matter: Contains neuron cell bodies.
Function:
o Reflexes, sensory information processing, motor control.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Can result in Anesthesia (loss of sensation) and Paralysis (loss of
voluntary movement).
Injury to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the
brain and body.
Meninges & Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Meninges: Three layers of protective membranes around the brain
and spinal cord.
o Dura Mater, Arachnoid Mater, Pia Mater.
CSF: Fluid that cushions and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. It
circulates in the subarachnoid space and ventricles of the brain.
Cranial Nerves
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that connect the brain to the
head, neck, and thorax.
They control sensory and motor functions, including vision, smell,
taste, and facial movements.
Spinal Nerves
31 pairs of spinal nerves that innervate different body parts.
Each spinal nerve supplies a specific dermatome (area of skin) for
sensory input.
Peripheral Nerve Conditions
1. Neuritis: Inflammation of a nerve.
2. Sciatica: Inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
3. Trigeminal Neuralgia: Stabbing pain along the trigeminal nerve.
4. Bell’s Palsy: Paralysis of facial muscles due to facial nerve damage.
5. Herpes Zoster (Shingles): A viral infection caused by the chickenpox
virus affecting a single dermatome.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and
respiratory rate.
Divided into two parts:
1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):
The “fight-or-flight” response; increases heart rate, blood
pressure, and energy.
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS):
The “rest-and-digest” response; slows heart rate and
increases digestion.
Autonomic Nervous System Conditions
Stress-induced diseases: Prolonged stress responses leading to
heart disease, digestive problems, and weakened immunity.
Neuroblastoma: A malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous
system, primarily affecting children.
Key Takeaways:
The nervous system plays a crucial role in communication, sensory
perception, motor control, and homeostasis.
Understanding the structure of neurons, the brain, and the spinal
cord is vital to assessing neurological function and identifying related
disorders.
Peripheral nerve conditions, including neuritis, sciatica, and
Bell’s palsy, can have significant impacts on daily function.
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary processes,
with the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems working in
balance.
This study guide provides an overview of the nervous system's structure and
function, common neurological conditions, and the role of the CNS, PNS, and
ANS.
