CCMA Ch. 6 - Nervous System

Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

What are the two major divisions of the nervous system?

Brain and spinal cord.

What structures make up the CNS?

Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and peripheral nerves.

What structures make up the PNS?

A nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals.

What is a neuron?

Receive signals toward the cell body.

What is the function of dendrites?

Carries impulses away from the cell body.

What is the function of the axon?

Insulating covering that speeds nerve impulse conduction.

What is myelin?

Junction between neurons or between a neuron and target cell.

What is a synapse?

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

What are neurotransmitters?

Controls involuntary body functions.

What is the autonomic nervous system?

Fight-or-flight: increases heart rate, dilates pupils, mobilizes energy.

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

Rest-and-digest: slows heart rate and supports digestion.

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

Interruption of blood flow to the brain causing neurologic deficits.

What is a stroke?

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

What does FAST stand for in stroke recognition?

Activate emergency protocol/call EMS immediately; notify provider.

What should an MA do for sudden weakness, facial droop, or slurred speech?

Fainting or temporary loss of consciousness.

What is syncope?

Assist patient to safe position, protect from injury, notify provider, assess vitals per protocol.

What should an MA do if a patient feels faint?

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

What is a seizure?

Protect from injury, do not restrain, do not place anything in mouth, time seizure, notify provider/EMS per protocol.

What is the correct response during a seizure?