How Myelin Affects The Body s Immune System Targets The...

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system targets the central nervous system (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2016). The central nervous system is mainly made up by the brain, nerves, spinal cord, and optic nerves (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2016). The main target in MS is myelin, the substance that protects the nerve fibers within the central nervous system (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2016). By attacking the myelin MS causes inflammation and damage to the myelin itself (MS Society of Canada, 2016). Myelin is the main source of transportation for nerve impulses; this is done through the nerve fibres that are protected by the myelin (MS Society of Canada, 2016). If the myelin is only slightly damaged the nerve impulses can continue with a few minor interruptions, but if the damage is extensive then problems become more apparent (MS Society of Canada, 2016). When myelin is quite damaged it begins to turn into scar tissue; scar tissue does not transmit nerve impulses as myelin does (MS Society of Canada, 2016). This means that once the myelin becomes scar tissue, the nerve impulses become completely interrupted (MS Society of Canada, 2016). This complete interruption in the nerve impulse process can then lead to the damaging of the nerve fibres themselves (MS Society of Canada, 2016). Causes of Multiple Sclerosis: There has not been a specific cause of MS identified, but it has been thought that a wideShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Multiple Sclerosis2594 Words   |  11 PagesOur bodies spend countless amounts of energy fighting off and defending ourselves from harmful diseases. Diseases come in many shapes and sizes, vastly affecting the systems of our body. One of the most important systems i our body is the nervous system. The nervous system is composed of a complex network of neurons which enables our bodies to incorporate information from the outside world, integrate, and perceive that information. In addition, the nervous system allows us to act through motor controlRead MoreOrgan Lateral Sclerosis : A Disease That Affects The Nervous System1578 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease that affects the Nervous system as well as the Muscular System as well, this disease is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affe cts the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A-myo-trophic is a Greek term when translated it means â€Å"No muscle Nourishment†. This lack of nourishment causes a reaction within the muscles leading to their eventual break down, otherwise known as â€Å"atrophies† which is a simple term meaning that the muscleRead MoreMultiple Sclerosis : An Autoimmune Disease2120 Words   |  9 PagesMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 2 Abstract Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects thousands of people worldwide. No one really knows what causes the disease and there is no cure and there is not one specific test that can diagnose Multiple Sclerosis. There are many different links that are thought of that may contribute to the cause of this disease such as family history or age.. Many treatment options are available to help slow down the progression of the disease and relieve any major symptomsRead MoreThe Structure Of The Brain Essay2447 Words   |  10 PagesStructure of the brain The brain is made up of 4 main parts and they are: ââ€"  the cerebral cortex, ââ€"  limbic system, ââ€"  the cerebellum ââ€"  and the brain stem The cerebral cortex The cerebral cortex is split into two cerebral hemispheres (the left and right hemispheres). Sometimes the right hemisphere is related to creativity and the left hemisphere is related to logic abilities. It is divided into four sections called lobes, the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe. This is theRead MoreNU 545 Unit 2 Essay10921 Words   |  44 Pagesnuclei within brainstem that maintains wakefulness and works in conjunction with the cerebral cortex and together they are known as the reticular activating system. P. 454 - 3 parts of the brain: forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain - Expression of affect (emotional and behavioral states) is mediated by extensive connections with the limbic system and prefrontal cortex. - p. 456 The prefrontal area is responsible for goal oriented behavior (ability to concentrate), short term memory and elaborationRead MoreUnit 2 study guide8637 Words   |  35 Pageshypothalamus (p.455) The cerebellum is responsible for maintaining balance and posture (p.455) The reticular formation is essential for maintaining wakefulness and in conjunction with the cerebral cortex is referred to as the reticular activating system (p.450) The Broca speech area is rostral to the inferior edge of the premotor area on the inferior frontal gyrus. It is usually on the left hemisphere and is responsible for the motor aspects of speech. Damage to this area leads to expressive aphasiaRead MoreSocm Study Guide Essay30404 Words   |  122 Pagesto provide the energy for responsiveness, growth, reproduction and movement. Refers to all chemical operations under way in the body. Define Anatomy and physiology, and describe the various specialties within each discipline Anatomy – the study of internal and external structures and the physical relationship between body parts. Physiology – the study of how living organisms p0erform the vital functions. Microscopic Anatomy – study of structures that can not be seen by the naked eyeRead MorePsychology Workbook Essay22836 Words   |  92 PagesI. INTRODUCTION Objective I.1 Define psychology: the science of behavior and mental processes. |Margin Learning Question(s) (if applicable) |Page(s) | |None | | Key Terms Psychology: the science of behavior and mental processes. Exercises 1. Put a check markRead MoreSci 241 Week 524609 Words   |  99 Pagesnecessary for bone health. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. u s t A Ta s t e J Do vitamins give you extra energy? Should everyone take folate supplements? Does eating carrots improve your vision? Can vitamin E protect you from heart disease? The Vitamins Vitamins Are Vital to Your Health Vitamins Provide Many Different Functions in the Body Vitamins Are Found in Almost Everything You Eat We Need Enough but Not Too Much of Each Vitamin Some VitaminsRead MorePatho-Phys Unit 2 Study Guide Usa Essay4997 Words   |  20 Pagesthe limbic system by influencing the secretion of melatonin associated with circadian rhythms. Controlling thought? (pg. 452) They parietal lobe is involved in sensory association (storage, analysis, and interpretation of stimuli). Emotions and behavior? (pg. 453) The hypothalamus is responsible for 2 major functions (1.) maintenance of a constant internal environment (2.) implementation of behavioral patterns. Integrative centers control ANS function, regulation of body temperature