Basic Training Series: Nervous System Principle #5: PURPOSEFULNESS

Now we turn to Principle #5: PURPOSEFULNESS.

Here is another except from Dr. Jay Angevine's writing from the Encyclopedia of the Human Brain.


"The Purposefulness of Neural Components
Every part of the nervous system has at least one function, often many more. Small parts of the CNS may play crucial roles, as in the extensive distribution and profound influence of axons from inconspicuous brain centers. The locus ceruleus ("blue spot") on each side of the fourth ventricle contains about 12,000 large melanin-pigmented neurons. These synthesize norepinephrine and release it in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and almost every other part of the CNS. Electrically, they are almost silent in sleep, hypoactive in wakefulness, and hyperactive in watchful or startling situations. They serve vigilance and attention to novel stimuli. They contribute, indirectly but no less crucially, to perceptual and cognitive functions. By contrast, immense structures make large but expensive contributions, as in the cognitive and motor abilities afforded us by the billions of neurons in our cerebral and cerebellar cortices."


Even though the above paragraph is shorter, it's no less important to understanding that the EVERY part of the nervous system, has a purpose to it. No matter how small. Here are some things I picked out of it.

1) As I stated before, everything from the smallest "part" to the largest has a purpose or several purposes that we CURRENTLY know of; however, I am willing to bet that changes frequently as the science delves deeper into the NS.

2) I think a lot of folks concentrate on either the peripheral or central nervous systems but it seems that EACH part of each system (which is MANY) has a purpose and together those purposes start to add up into something that we really do not fully understand. Just my humble opinion.

3) The example about the locus ceruleus was great as it gave insight to how a small part affects the overall organism. This "small" part releases a very important chemical into critical areas of the brain which are charged with larger tasks like cognition and perception. Whoa. So what happens when one of these "small" parts stops working? Hmmmmm.... chaos maybe? For instance, the locus cereleus secretes norepinephrine in the brain, and its main function is directing attention to novel and potentially challenging stimuli.  Recently, they found that the LC also suppresses neruo-inflammation in the brain through the norepinephrine secretion. This is important in Alzheimer's Disease as there is a progression of the disease after the destruction of the LC.  The cognitive decline is well documented, so we see how small parts affect the whole.

4) Finally, the author informs us that the immense structures "make large and expensive contributions" like thinking and moving. Pretty important! Diane Jacobs, PT, always remarks how the nervous systems makes up 2% of the body BUT utilizes 20% of all resources in the body. If someone wants to debate the PURPOSEFULNESS of the nervous system, I'd like to see them do it without their cerebral cortex. ;-)

Pretty cool, stuff, huh????

I hope you are getting excited as I am about the Nervous System. The next post is Principle #5: UNIFORMITY WITH VERSATILITY.

Questions? Comments?

In mind, body, and spirit,

Will