Nervous System Physiology and Connective Tissues

Study Notes

Types of Connective Tissues in Nervous System

Meninges are a type of connective tissue in the nervous system
Axon myelin Schwann cells are another type of connective tissue in the nervous system

Physiology of Nervous System

The Central Nervous System (CNS) sends impulses to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Connective tissues (CT) are continuously connected around all body organs in different shapes
Neurons receive impulses from the brain
Humans have a high ability to perform skilled movements due to the connection with the nervous system
The nervous system not only receives and sends impulses but also has the ability to adapt to various movements and ranges

Mechanics of Peripheral Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) conducts impulses and chemical traffic
PNS is a dynamic tissue
PNS can be extremely elongated
PNS functions by stretching and sliding as a result of a wide variety of movements

Spinal Canal Variation

The spinal canal varies in size and shape according to the vertebral level and movement
C1 vertebra occupies half of the canal, while C5 occupies ¾ of the canal
T6 has a narrower and more rounded canal, making it more prone to injury
The spine elongates in flexion more than in extension
In side bending, the bended side is shortened, and the other side is elongated
Changes also occur in spine rotation

Pathophysiology of Nervous System

Direct injury can occur due to tension, overstretching, or compression
Indirect injuries can occur due to extra neural injuries, such as soft tissue or fibro-osseous injuries
Intra-neural injuries can occur due to inflammation of nerves, leading to changes in connective tissue and decreased nerve excitability
Causes of intra-neural injuries include demyelination, hypoxia, scar tissue, and neuroma

Neural Mobilization

Neural mobilization is a manipulative technique that moves and stretches neural tissues by moving relative or surrounding structures
Effects of neural mobilization include improving neural axon transport, reducing intra-neural edema, increasing blood flow, and restoring normal mechanisms of connective tissue

Indications and Contraindications of Neural Mobilization

Indications for neural mobilization include any neurological symptoms, unexplained loss of strength, vertebral region injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries
Precautions for neural mobilization include spinal stenosis, spondylosis, involvement of other structures, neurological signs, dizziness, general health, and circulatory disorders
Contraindications for neural mobilization include acute inflammation and infection, acute neurological signs, worsening of neurological signs, cauda equina, malignant tumors, and injuries to the spinal cord

Neuro Dynamic Tests

Findings on neuro dynamic tests can be classified as optimal, suboptimal, normal, or abnormal

Relation between Nervous System and Body Movement

Neural tissue mobilization requires the body part to be moved with other parts in a neutral position to decrease tension in tissues and move the neutral part

Description

Explore the physiology of the nervous system, including the types of connective tissues and the mechanics of the peripheral nervous system. Test your knowledge of how the nervous system functions and adapts to various movements and ranges.