Nervous System
Learning Objectives
When completing this chapter, the learner will be able to do the following:
- Identify the anatomy of the nervous system
- Describe the main functions of the nervous system
- Spell the medical terms of the nervous system and use correct abbreviations
- Identify the medical specialties associated with the nervous system
- Explore common diseases, disorders, and procedures related to the nervous system
Introduction
The picture you have in your mind of the nervous system probably includes the brain, the nervous tissue contained within the cranium, and the spinal cord, the extension of nervous tissue within the vertebral column. That suggests it is made of two organs—and you may not even think of the spinal cord as an organ—but the nervous system is a very complex structure. Within the brain, many different and separate regions are responsible for many different and separate functions. It is as if the nervous system is composed of many organs that all look similar and can only be differentiated using tools such as the microscope or electrophysiology.
Watch this Video:
Media 5.1 The Nervous System, Part 1: Crash Course A&P #8 [Online video]. Copyright 2015 by CrashCourse.
