Anatomy/PhysiologyRHIH, 2015

Nervous System
Prepared by KANEZA
Deogratias, MD

Nervous System
The human nervous system is highly complex. It is
divided into:

1.Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain

Spinal cord

2.Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All the neural tissue outside CNS

Afferent division (sensory input)

Efferent division (motor output)

Somatic nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

General Organization of the nervous system

Brain & spinal
cord

The Nervous system has three major functions

1. Sensory monitors internal & external environment
through presence of receptors

2. Integration interpretation of sensory information

(information processing); complex (higher order)
functions

3. Motor response to information processed through

stimulation of effectors
muscle contraction
glandular secretion

Summary of Functions of NS
1. The nervous system is the communication system of
the body.
2. Controls body functions and actions.
3. Maintains physiological homeostasis.

Responsible for everything we perceive, do, feel,

and think

Histology of neural tissue

Two types of neural cells in the nervous system:
Neurons - For processing, transfer, and
storage of information
Neuroglia For support, regulation &
protection of neurons

Histology- Neuroglia (glial cells)

CNS neuroglia:

astrocytes

oligodendrocytes

microglia

ependymal cells

PNS neuroglia

Schwann cells (neurolemmocytes)

satellite cells

Histology

Astrocytes
create supportive
framework for neurons
create blood-brain
barrier
monitor & regulate
interstitial fluid
surrounding neurons
secrete chemicals for
embryological neuron
formation
stimulate the formation of
scar tissue secondary to
CNS injury

Histology

Oligodendrocytes
create myelin sheath
around axons of neurons
in the CNS.
Myelinated axons
transmit impulses faster
than unmyelinated axons
Microglia
brain macrophages
phagocytize cellular
wastes & pathogens

Histology

Ependymal cells
line ventricles of brain
& central canal of spinal
cord
produce, monitor & help
circulate CSF
(cerebrospinal fluid)

Histology
Schwann cells
surround all axons of
neurons in the PNS creating a
neurilemma around them.
Neurilemma allows for
potential regeneration of
damaged axons
creates myelin sheath around
most axons of PNS
Satellite cells
support groups of cell
bodies of neurons within
ganglia of the PNS

Histology- Neuron structure

HistologyNeuron structure
of Ranvier

Most axons of the nervous system are

surrounded by a myelin sheath
(myelinated axons)
The presence of myelin speeds up the
transmission of action potentials along
the axon
Myelin will get laid down in segments
(internodes) along the axon, leaving
unmyelinated gaps known as nodes of
Ranvier
Regions of the nervous system
containing groupings of myelinated
axons make up the white matter
gray matter is mainly comprised of
groups of neuron cell bodies, dendrites
& synapses (connections between
neurons)

Classification of neurons
Structural classification based on number of
processes coming off of the cell body:

Classification of neurons

Anaxonic neurons
No anatomical clues to
determine axons from
dendrites
Functions unknown

Classification of neurons

Multipolar neuron
Multiple dendrites &
single axon
Most common type

Classification of neurons

Bipolar neuron
Two processes coming
off cell body; one dendrite
& one axon
Only found in eye, ear &
nose

Classification of neurons
Unipolar (pseudounipolar)
neuron
Single process
coming off cell body,
giving rise to dendrites
(at one end) & axon
(making up rest of
process)

Classification of neurons
Functional classification based on type of information &
direction of information transmission:
Sensory (afferent) neurons:
Transmit sensory information from receptors of PNS towards the
CNS
Most sensory neurons are unipolar, a few are bipolar
Motor (efferent) neurons:
Transmit motor information from the CNS to effectors
(muscles/glands/adipose tissue) in the periphery of the body
All are multipolar
Association (interneurons):
Transmit information between neurons within the CNS; analyze
inputs, coordinate outputs
Are the most common type of neuron (20 billion)
Are all multipolar

Properties of neurons
1. Excitability (irritability): the ability to respond to
environmental changes called stimuli (is the ability to
initiate nerve impulses in response to stimuli) All cells
possess excitability

2. Conductivity: Neurons respond to stimuli by

producing traveling electrical signals that quickly reach other
cells at distant locations.

Properties of neurons- Conduction across synapses

In order for neural control to occur,
information must not only be conducted
along nerve cells, but must also be
transferred from one nerve cell to another
across a synapse

3. Secretion: When the electrical signal

reaches the end of a nerve fiber (synapse), the
neuron secretes a chemical neurotransmitter that
jumps the gap and stimulates the next cell.

The Structure of a Typical Synapse

Anatomical organization of neurons

Neurons of the nervous system tend to group together into
organized bundles
The axons of neurons are bundled together to form
nerves in the PNS & tracts/pathways in the CNS. Most
axons are myelinated so these structures will be part of
white matter
The cell bodies of neurons are clustered together into
ganglia in the PNS & nuclei/centers in the CNS. These
are unmyelinated structures and will be part of gray
matter

Neural Tissue Organization

Anatomical structure of Nerves

Numerous nerve fibres collected into

bundles

Each bundle has coverings of protective

connective tissue :
1. Endoneurium - surrounds each
individual fibre
2. Perineurium surrounds each bundle

25

3. Epineurium surrounds and covers a

number of bundles of nerve fibres

Anatomical structure of Nerves

Clinical nursing application

Diseases of the Myelin Sheath
The multiple sclerosis (MS),
the oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths of the
CNS deteriorate and are replaced by hardened
scar tissue, especially between the ages of 20 and
40.
Nerve conduction is disrupted with effects that
depend on what part of the CNS is involved

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The cause of MS remains uncertain; most theories
suggest that it results from an immune disorder
triggered by a virus in genetically susceptible
individuals.
The clinical features vary according to the
number of neurons have been damaged
Progressive loss of muscle function is the main
symptom.
There is no cure.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson disease (PD), also called paralysis
agitans
is a progressive loss of motor function beginning
in a persons 50s or 60s.
It is due to degeneration of dopamine-releasing
neurons in a portion of the brain called the
substantia nigra.- too little dopamine being
produced.
Symptoms include muscle tremors, muscle
rigidity, and slow, difficult movements. Walking
and speech are often affected.

Parkinsons Disease

THE END OF 1st PART