Lesson series

Nervous System

As you've learned through your studies, the nervous system is a dynamic topic that cannot be studied in isolation. The nervous system is tied into each and every one of the other focus areas within the scope of Physiotherapy.
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Due to its complexity, depth of anatomy, broad range of pathologies and the ease by which it spills over into other disciplines of physiotherapy practice, this topic of study is often the weakest for most physiotherapy candidates. In order to assist you with your review, this course has been subdivided into smaller, more manageable sections.
This lesson is sponsored by:

Cardon Rehab

Cardon is a full-concept design, engineering, and manufacturing company that makes treatment tables, exercise equipment, and treatment accessories. Make sure both you and your patients are comfortable every day of the week.
Patrick Jones - Course author
*Key Note
Understanding neurological anatomy is key when tackling rehabilitation cases in a neurological setting. In addition, the national examination often tries to test the musculoskeletal section by using questions that are designed to initially appear as though they are neurologically focused questions. Understanding how the brain and spinal cord function, as well as the signs and symptoms of related pathologies, will help you understand any exam question.

Nervous System Overview: Organization (Divisions and Subdivisions)
The nervous system is organized into two distinct regions: The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Central Nervous System (CNS) = Brain and Spinal Cord
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) = Cranial Nerves and Spinal Nerves

Central Nervous System
The CNS is considered to have seven basic parts:
• Cerebral Hemispheres
• Diencephalon
• Midbrain
• Pons
• Medulla (pons and medulla together are called the 'hindbrain')
• Cerebellum
• Spinal Cord
(Note: there are individual review courses for each of these seven areas).

Peripheral Nervous System
The PNS is made of nerves that connect glands, muscle, organs, and other soft tissue:
• Cranial Nerves: 12 pairs; name is based on function; emerges through foramina (holes) in skull
• Spinal Nerves: 31 pairs; name is based on location within the vertebral column that emerge between adjacent vertebrae
• Peripheral Nerves: PNS neuron bundles that extend out from the spinal cord and brainstem (both part of CNS)
• Ganglion: groups of peripheral nerve cell bodies; enlargements along peripheral nerves
• Ganglion Cell: neuron whose soma is situated in the PNS
The PNS carries information to the CNS via afferent pathways. The CNS carries information to the PNS via efferent pathways. Information that is sent to the CNS is involuntary; however, information sent from the CNS to the body can be either voluntary (somatic) or involuntary (autonomic).

Transmission Pathways

Afferent Fibres (carry messages to the CNS)
• Sensory Afferent Division - globally designed to carry information towards the CNS
• Somatic Afferents - carries information from the skin, muscles, joints
• Visceral Afferents - carries information from membranes and organs

Efferent Fibres (carries messages from CNS to the body)
• Motor Efferent Division - globally designed to carry information away from the CNS
• Somatic Efferent Nervous System (Voluntary) - carries information to skeletal muscles
• Autonomic Nervous System (Involuntary) - carries information to organs and glands
Autonomic Efferent Fibres have their own Sub-groups:
1. Sympathetic Division
2. Parasympathetic Division
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