Introduction
What is a Nueron?
This is the basic functional unit of the nervous system.
What is sensory input?
This function of the nervous system involves collecting information from the environment and the body.
How does the muscular system complement the nervous system?
The muscular system relies on motor neurons from the nervous system to initiate this process, allowing movement and reflexes.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
This disease causes memory loss and confusion, often affecting older adults.
What is the level of consciousness (or mental status)?
EMS professionals check this vital sign controlled by the nervous system to ensure the brain is receiving enough oxygen.
What is the central nervous system?
This part of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.
What is integration?
This function interprets sensory input and decides how the body should respond.
How does the endocrine system complement the nervous system?
The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system by releasing hormones, which regulate processes such as stress responses triggered by this nervous system division.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
This disorder causes shaking hands, slow movement, and stiff muscles, often in older adults.
What is the pupillary reaction?
In an emergency, EMS providers assess this nervous system response by shining a light in the patient’s eyes.
What are glial cells?
These cells support, nourish, and protect neurons.
What is motor output?
This function sends signals to muscles or glands to trigger a response.
How does the respiratory system complement the nervous system?
The respiratory system provides oxygen to the brain and spinal cord, which the nervous system needs to function properly and maintain this vital process.
What is multiple sclerosis?
This condition happens when the body’s immune system attacks the protective coating around nerves, causing muscle weakness.
What are anticonvulsants?
EMS personnel may provide this type of medication to stop seizures, which occur due to overactivity in the nervous system.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
This division of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like heartbeat and digestion.
What is homeostasis?
The nervous system helps maintain this state of balance in the body, regulating things like temperature and blood pressure.
How does the cardiovascular system complement the nervous system?
The cardiovascular system supplies the nervous system with nutrients and oxygen through blood flow, while the nervous system regulates the heart and controls blood vessel dilation.
What is polio?
This infection, caused by a virus, can sometimes make it hard to move and even lead to paralysis.
What is FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)?
A stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when the nervous system is damaged due to a lack of blood flow. EMS identifies this emergency using this acronym.
What is myelin?
This insulating layer around axons increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission.
What is cognition?
This higher-level function of the nervous system includes reasoning, memory, and decision-making
How does the digestive system complement the nervous system?
The digestive system breaks down food to provide energy for the nervous system, while the enteric nervous system controls digestion through communication with the brain.
What is ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)?
This disease weakens the muscles over time because the nerves that control them stop working.
What is the spinal cord?
In spinal cord injuries, EMS immobilizes the patient to prevent further damage to this vital nervous system structure.