Chapter 3
The Role of Neurons, Central Nervous System, and the Endocrine System
Together the Brain and Spinal Cord make up the central nervous system. This is the control center, receiving incoming stimuli, interpretation of stimuli, and sending it out for action. The nervous system has basic functions.
The spinal cord is made up of neurons and cells extending from the bottom of the brain, it is protected by stacked set of ring shaped bones called vertebra. Nerves branch from the spin and connect to internal organs and body as a part of an intricate wiring system to send and receive information. The spines serves as a conduit and transfers information in form of electrical and chemical response through the voluntary and involuntary organs and muscles throughout the body.
Neurons sends messages electrochemically, chemicals in the body cause an electrical impulse. This electrochemical charge then carries on, action is created after stimuli is received from the senses, filtered and associate through the brain and sent out through the spinal column to the necessary internal organs and muscles. Neurons are the carriers of information from the brain throughout the body. They are the carriers of action.
In addition to carrying impulses to and from the brain, the spinal cord regulates reflexes.
1. A reflex is the simplest response to a stimulus.
2. Sneezing and Blinking are two examples of Reflexes.
3. A Reflex produces a rapid motor response to a stimulus because the Sensory Neuron Synapses directly with a motor neuron in the spinal cord.
4. Reflexes are very fast, and most reflexes never reach the brain for processing but are immediate in nature.
5. Blinking to protect your eyes from danger is a reflex.
Notice the Reflex Response in this photo
Facts about Neurons
It provides communication between and coordination of all organs and organ systems.
The human brain has about 100,000,000,000 (100 billion) neurons.
There are about 13,500,00 neurons in the human spinal cord.
Velocity of a signal transmitted through a neuron= 1.2 to 250 miles/hour.
More on the Nervous System
The nervous system is has two major systems; CNS-central nervous system and PNS- peripheral nervous system. As previously discussed the central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord where information is processed. The peripheral nervous system is the extensive network of nerves throughout the body that allows signals to travel between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. EXAMPLE: To the muscles for action.
In reality preparedness it is imperative that one learns and understands one’s own input and response process. From the time input is received and processed this electro/chemical response is the primary energy that manifest itself and brings about the predominant response. One can learn all the tactics and skills in the world but when it comes to applying these is in accordance the mental command and control process, emotional energy can take control. When facing life or death options, one must understand and work in accordance to one’s internal echo; else the direction of energy is lost somewhere in the chaos.
The Endocrine System and the Chemical Dump
As neurons carry information along the nervous system certain glands in the endocrine system will be stimulated. Which gland and the degree of stimulation is directly related to the degree of alarm that has been interpreted by the brain. Chemicals are then secreted by the glandular system. A gland is defined as tissue or organ that secretes chemicals. As it relates to reality preparedness the focus will be on the hormones secretions that are injected directly into the blood stream. This is the function of the endocrine system.
The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland and adrenal gland as well as other glandular functions.
The Pituitary Gland is a small gland located a the base of the brain that is referred to as the Master Gland because all glands depends on its secretions for stimulation.
The adrenal gland interacts with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It produces hormones to stimulate the pituitary gland and the pituitary gland produces hormones to stimulate the adrenal gland. This gland helps and participates in the stress response by secreting epinephrine (adrenaline) and nor epinephrine (nor adrenaline) and Cortisol. These hormones are secreted as a response to fear or anger, the heart rate increases and blood flow to major muscle groups are increased as determined by the fight and flight response. At the same time that blood flow is increased to the large muscle groups other organs and muscles experience a decrease in blood flow. This explain the extreme strength one experiences during an adrenal dump.This is the chemical stimulation that results in the Fight/Flight/Freeze (FFF) Response.
The Fight, Flight, Freeze (FFF) Response
The fight flight response is the response that prepares the body for action under stress and danger. The adrenaline/nor adrenaline is pumping through your veins. Your heart is pounding and your breathing increases. Your body may shake. You now have the increased blood flow to the gross muscle groups and your strength is increased enough for the given threat. The analytical mind is shut down and all rational thought is non-existent. The human is responding to anything they perceive as threat or danger. This affect happens when your mind prepares your body for emergency action.
The increased strength that comes from this response is a result of your mind shutting down non-essential functions such as the digestive system and the frontal part of the brain responsible for rational thought. By shutting down parts of the body other parts have access to the energy needed for the survival response. This is manifested in increase strength. EXAMPLE: The mother lifts the car off the child to save it's life.
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