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Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous system

Nerve cells (neurons) are unique among body cells in that, instead of being compact, they
consist of a cell nucleus and extensions: one axon and several dendrites. The dendrites
transmits impulses to the cell nucleus; the axon transmits impulses away from the cell
nucleus to body organs. These cells vary in size ranging from a few inches to several feet
long, reaching from distant body sites such as feet, through the spinal cord, and to the
brain. Although their great length is vital to motor and sensory function, it also makes
nerve cells more susceptible than other body cells to injury.
The nervous system continues to mature through the first 12 years of life. It
actually consists of two separate systems: the central nervous system and the peripheral
nervous system. The PNS consists of the cranial nerves, the spinal nerves, and the
somatic and visceral divisions. The visceral division includes the autonomic system.
The CNS consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the surrounding membranes or
meninges that protect the delicate tissues from normal trauma. These tissues are also
protected by the skull, the vertebral column, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid
in the subarachnoid space which serves as a cushion.
The brain is covered by three membranes: the dura matter ( a fibrous, connective
tissue structures containing many blood vessels), the arachnoid membrane (a delcicate
serous membrane), and the pia matter ( a vascular membrane).
Four fluid-filled cavities, or ventricles, lie within the brain. CSF forms in the two
lateral ventricles in the choroid plexus of the pia matter and flows through the foramens
of Monro into the third ventricle, then through a narrow canal (the aqueduct of Slyvius)
to the fourth ventricle. It leaves the fourth ventricles by the foramen of magendie and the
two foramens of Lushka and flows into the cisterna magna, the fluid circulates to the
subarachnoid space of the spinal cord. The fluid is then absorbed by the arachnoid
membrane. The time span for replacement is approximately 6 hours.
The CSF is basically a colorless, alkaline fluid with a specific gravity of
approximately 1.004 to 1.008, containing traces of protein, glucose, lymphocytes and
body salts. The fluid circulates downward to the level of the second sacral vertebra (S2).
In infants, the spinal cord ends at the third lumbar vertebra (L3); in adolescents and
adults, at L1 or L2. This configuration leaves a space near the cord base containing CSF
that can be tapped safely (lumbar puncture) without fear of causing spinal cord damage.

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