MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING NOTES

Overview of structures and functions: NERVOUS SYSTEM • The functional unit of the nervous system is the nerve cells or neurons • The nervous system is composed of the ff: Central Nervous System • Brain • Spinal Cord – serves as a connecting link between the brain & the periphery. Peripheral Nervous System • Cranial Nerves –12 pairs; carry impulses to & from the brain. • Spinal Nerves – 31 pairs; carry impulses to & from spinal cord. Autonomic Nervous System subdivision of the PNS that automatically controls body function such as breathing & heart beat. Special senses of vision and hearing are also covered in this section • Sympathetic nervous system – generally accelerate some body functions in response to stress. • Parasympathetic nervous system – controls normal body functioning. CELLS A. NEURONS • Primary component of nervous system • Composed of cell body (gray matter), axon, and dendrites