B3.1.5 - Nervous System Damage Flashcards
What is the mammalian nervous system organised into?
Two systems - CNS and PNS
What is the CNS?
Brain and spinal cord
What is the PNS?
All the neurones thay connect the CNS to the rest of the body (sensory and motor neurones)
How could nervous system damage occur?
Injury, disease, genetic conditions or ingestion of a toxic substance
What does damage to the nervous system do?
It prevents impulses from being passed effectively throughout the nervous system.
What are effects of nervous system damage to the PNS?
Inability to detect pain, Numbness and a loss of coordination
How can nervous system damage to the PNS be treated?
Minor nerve damage often self-heals, although the PNS has a limited ability to regenerate. More severe damage can be treated through surgery.
What can nervous systme damage to the CNS lead to?
Loss of control of body systems, partial or complete paralysis and memory loss / processing difficulties
How many pairs of nerves does the spinal cord have?
31
What is the diameter of the spinal cord?
1.5cm
Why is it difficult to identify and repair damage to an individual nerve fibre on the spinal cord?
The individual nerve fibre is very small and there are many of them and they are all important.
What does spinal injuries usually lead to?
Permanent loss of funtions / disability
What scans can be used to build up an image of the damage site of a brain?
MRI or CT scans
What treatment is there for brain tumours?
radiotherapy and chemotherapy
What treatment is there for damaged brain tissue?
Surgery for removal
