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FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY
The nervous system
is responsible for a myriad of functions
too innumerable to list but basically
everything that we do is dependent upon
our brain. However, to simplify, the
brain has three important jobs and the
execution of these jobs culminates in
the overall functioning of the nervous
system. Simply put, this is functional
neurology.
- The nervous system
must take in information through the
sensory organs, which act as the windows
to the brain. In an instant, thousands
of pieces of information enter through
the eyes, ears, skin, nose, and taste
buds and through the proprioceptive
and vestibular systems.
- After this plethora
of data is received, the brain must
process it by prioritizing that which
is most important and through a filtering
process, relegate that information
which is superfluous to a lower spot
on the hierarchy of importance. In
order to make sense of the copious
amounts of input, the brain must integrate
and attach meaning to it by associating
it with other pieces of information
already stored in memory.
- Finally, the brain
must respond to the stimuli received
and processed. This output is strongly
evidenced through mobility, language
and manual competence.
The three jobs of input, processing
and output are performed spontaneously
and automatically. The Brain performs
all of these functions at incredible
speed with the great efficiency. It
is continuously responding to inputs
from the environment and when something
interferes with one part of this schema
of taking in, processing and responding,
all parts are affected.
Each new piece of information is assessed,
processed and becomes part of a collective
whole; a reservoir of information.
The Brain must synchronize, prioritize,
filter and process all of this information
and this is done instantaneously.
For example, sitting in a chair and
focusing on a lecture, your Nervous
System is able to keep you erect and
sitting comfortably.
This happens because your Brain first
receives positional information through
the proprioceptor system, processes
it and then sends instructions to
all of your muscles; some extend,
and some contract in order to hold
you in this position. You have a sense
that you are upright because your
vestibular function has determined
this to be the case. You are aware
of the exact position of all of your
limbs relative to the rest of your
body because your proprioceptive functions
are working properly causing you to
place your limbs in appropriate positions.
Your vision and audition enable you
to see and hear the lecture. You are
able to filter out all extraneous
noises, smells and even taste which
might otherwise interfere with your
ability to focus and concentrate on
the task at hand. You may become aware
of your own weight in the chair on
which you are seated.
If, for example, a specific irritation
develops, such as a label at the back
of your shirt shifting, you may become
aware of it. This happens because
of the tactile input. In addition,
you are able to prioritize this distraction
and immediately adjust your shirt.
Once this need has been satisfied,
your attention diverts back to the
lecture.
You are able to hold a pencil in your
dominant hand and take notes because
you have learned to grasp an object
between your forefinger and thumb
and keep it in position. This all
happens because your Nervous System
has developed and matured properly
and you are able to perform these
tasks automatically.
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