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INTRODUCTION

Optimal patient care requires that the EMT-I understand the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. The following topics will be discussed during this lesson:

· Components of the Nervous System

· Functions of the Cerebral Lobes

· Brainstem Functions

· Effects of Sympathetic Stimulation

LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson the participants will be able to:

1. State the 3 functions of the nervous system.

2. Name the 2 structural divisions of the nervous system.

3. Discuss the structure and function of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brainstem.

4. Identify the 4 lobes of the cerebrum and state the major functions of each.

5. State the purpose of the cerebrospinal fluid.

6. Discuss common causes of cerebral dysfunction.

7. State the function of the spinal cord.

8. Verbalize the function of C3, C4, and C5.

9. Discuss the effects of stimulation of the oculormotor (3^rd cranial) nerve.

10. State the function of the peripheral nerves.

11. Discuss the purpose of the autonomic nervous system.

12. Understand the effects of stimulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

SKILLS

None

KEY VOCABULARY

The following terms will be used during this lesson:

· Neuron - specialized cell of the nervous system

· Paraplegia - paralysis of lower extremities

· Quadriplegia - paralysis of all four extremities

· Hemiplegia - paralysis of one side of the body

· Paresthesia - numbness or tingling sensation

KEY CONCEPTS

The following section provides information and space for taking notes on the key concepts discussed

by the instructor:

FUNCTIONS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM

· Receive and interpret information

· Generate response to stimuli

· Store information for future use

DIVISIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM BY STRUCTURE

· Central - Brain

Spinal cord

· Peripheral - Cranial nerves

Spinal nerves

GOLDEN RULE:

Level of consciousness is the most sensitive indicator of nervous system functioning. The most appropriate and earliest way to determine level of consciousness is by response to stimulus.

BRAIN

· Cerebrum

· Cerebellum

· Brainstem

· Cerebrospinal fluid

CEREBRAL LOBES

· Frontal : personality, memory, speech, motor functions

· Parietal: sensation

· Temporal: hearing, speech, smell

· Occipital: sight

CAUSES OF CEREBRAL DYSFUNCTION

AEIOU TIPS

A - alcohol, anoxia

E - epilepsy

I - insulin (diabetes)

O - overdose

U - uremia, underdose

T- trauma

I - infection

P - psychiatric

S - stroke (cardiovascular)

CEREBELLUM

· Balance and muscle coordination

· Ataxia

· Dysarthria

· Nystagmus

BRAINSTEM

Vital Centers

· Cardiac Center

· Respiratory Center

· Vasomotor Center

· Reticular Activating System (RAS)

SIGN/SYMPTOMS OF BRAINSTEM DYSFUNCTION

· Decreased LOC

· Changes in respiratory pattern

· Brainstem posturing

· Vomiting

· Hypertension, bradycardia

· Pupillary Changes

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID

· Protects and cushions brain and spinal fluid

· Clear, colorless, and odorless

SPINAL CORD

· Transmits impulses to and from brain

· C3, 4, 5 - controls diaphragm

OCULOMOTOR NERVE

· 3rd cranial nerve

· Controls pupil size

PERIPHERAL NERVES

Conduct impulses from spinal cord to body tissues

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Controls involuntary functions of the body

· Sympathetic: Fight or flight response

· Parasympathetic: Vegetative functions

EFFECTS OF SIMULATION

ORGAN	SYMPATHETIC	PARASYMPATHETIC
Heart
Lungs
Skin
Pupils
Skeletal Muscles
G.I. Tract

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