Lim Li Gang (9) 1I3 3rd August 2011 Science ACE-Nervous system What is the nervous system?

The nervous system is a biological system (group of organs working together to perform a specific task) comprising a structure of cells known as neurons. These neurons are specialised cells which are responsible for coordinating an animal's actions, and does so by sending signals to various parts of the body.

A simple diagram of the nervous system For most animals, the nervous system can be classified into two kinds: Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

The central nervous system forms the majority of the nervous system, consisting of parts like the brain and the spinal cord. The function of this particular system is to integrate the information that it receives from each part of the body of the animal. The term 'integrate' can be defined as the interpretation of things detected by sensory cells (e.g. touch, taste and smell) . In addition to this, the central nervous

system is also tasked with coordinating the activity of all parts of the body. The peripheral nervous system, on the other hand, consists of the nerves and ganglia (a biological tissue mass, in this case a mass of nerve cells) outside of the brain and spinal cord. The main purpose of this system is to connect the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. A key difference between the two systems is that the former is more protected as compared to the latter; the brain is protected by the skull while the spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae(bones) of the spine, and both are enveloped by a system of membranes known as meninges. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system is more exposed to toxins and injuries. How does the nervous system interact with other body systems? Skeletal system Bones provide calcium which are vital to the well-being of the proper functioning of the nervous system Skull and vertebrae protect brain and spinal cord respectively from injury Sensory receptors located in joints in bones transmit signals about the position of one's body to the brain By controlling muscles, the brain regulates the position of the bones Receptors in muscles provide the brain with information about body position and movement The brain controls the skeletal muscles' contractions The nervous system regulates the speed at which food moves through the digestive system (some parts of the digestive tract involve muscles) Respiratory system The brain regulates the respiratory rate The brain controls feeding and drinking behaviour Controls muscles for eating Digestive system sends sensory information to the brain Digestive system Muscular system

In addition to the above examples, the nervous system also works with several other systems such as the reproductive system to perform various functions.

What happens when the nervous system is damaged?

Since the nervous system plays such an integral role in the proper functioning of our body, what happens when it sustains an injury? One might expect that this would have severely detrimental consequences. The reality, however, is that the harm inflicted varies to the type of injury. Not all abrasions are seriously debilitating or fatal. Inevitably, when the nervous system is damaged, so are the nerves. Nerve injuries can be separated into three fundamental types: The nerve is bruised and is incapable of operating temporarily. Nerve fibres remain intact. For this type of injury the nerve usually makes a full recovery and there are no long-lasting effects. The nerve fibres are damaged but the outer layer remains intact. Not all nerve fibres have the ability to repair themselves, which might possibly lead to a residual and permanent loss of function. (Surgeons are only able to repair the outer layer) Both the inner and outer layers are damaged. Under these circumstances, repair is essential for the recovery of the nerve. If repair is not effected there will be a loss of function for the nerve. Possible symptoms of a nerve injury: Loss or change of sensation Loss of muscle power (resulting in weakness of grip or a general feeling of clumsiness) An unpleasant feeling when the damaged area is touched Pain (degree varies with injury)

How does the nervous system cope with damage? Nerves do repair themselves, but only specific nerve tissues are capable of doing so, and the process can take up to months (nerves grow back at an approximate rate of 1mm per day). In addition, as we get older, nerves take a longer time to repair. Thus the outcome might take up to a few years to become apparent. The nervous system is considerably fragile and susceptible to harm. Some lingering effects which may not be apparent at first might emerge after a period of time. How is damage to the nervous system treated? Surgeons only have limited ability to repair nerves. Only the outer layer of nerves are able to be 'fixed', and this alone is a very delicate process. A commonly adopted method is the 'wait and see' approach where the damage done to the nerve will be assessed. Sometimes the only thing that can be done is predicting the outcome. As of now technology concerning this area of medical treatment is relatively undeveloped, thus we will have to await further advancements before more efficient means of treating such injuries are discovered.