communication

Damage to the nervous system typically results in sensory, cognitive, and/or behavioral

impairment. The type and extent of impairment depends in part on the location of damage. For

example, damage to the occipital lobe would probably result in visual impai

rment, although the

specific type of impairment would depend on where in the occipital lobe the damage occurred.

Cells in the damaged area would no longer be able to communicate effectively with one another

or with cells in other parts of the nervous syste

m, and this loss of communication would be the

basis for the visual impairment.

Fortunately, there are ways in which the nervous system can recover from damage. Natural

processes such as compensation and reorganization often

facilitate recovery of lost or impaired

functions. Furthermore, there are experimental treatments that may promote the growth of

neurons in the mature nervous system; these neurons eventually may take the place of cells that

were damaged, and thus restore

function.

In this Application Assignment, you will apply your knowledge of neural communication,

functions of specific brain areas, and mechanisms for recovery from brain damage to a case in

which an individual suffered a stroke to his right hemisphere.

To

prepare for this assignment:

·

Review Chapter 2, focusing on how neural communication is likely to be disrupted by the

loss of brain cells.

·

Review Chapter 3 and refer to Figure 3.10, paying attention to how areas of the mo

tor

cortex correspond to movement produced in specific parts of the body. Also review the

section entitled "Development and Change in the Nervous System," focusing on why

brain cells are not usually replaced in the mature brain as well as on ways in which

the

patient might recover some of his lost functions.

The assignment (1

–

2 pages):

·

Read the following case study:

o

Joseph is a 59

-

year

-

old construction worker who recently suffered a stroke. A

small blood clot became lodged in one of the vessels serving the

right side of his

brain and restricted blood flow to a portion of his right precentral gyrus. Many

neurons in that area were damaged or destroyed and, as a result, Joseph is

partially paralyzed on the left side of his body. He is able to move his left leg

and

walk, and can also move his left arm, but his left hand and the left side of his face

are paralyzed.

·

Answer the following questions about the case study:

o

Why were Joseph's left face and hand paralyzed, but not the rest of his arm or his

leg?

o

What is

preventing Joseph from moving his left hand? In your answer, include the

following:

§

First, describe normal function of a motor neuron that forms a synapse

with a muscle cell. How is the signal that initiates movement transmitted

from the neuron to the mus

cle? Describe this process in detail.

Damage to the nervous system typically results in sensory, cognitive, and/or behavioral

impairment. The type and extent of impairment depends in part on the location of damage. For

example, damage to the occipital lobe would probably result in visual impairment, although the

specific type of impairment would depend on where in the occipital lobe the damage occurred.

Cells in the damaged area would no longer be able to communicate effectively with one another

or with cells in other parts of the nervous system, and this loss of communication would be the

basis for the visual impairment.

Fortunately, there are ways in which the nervous system can recover from damage. Natural

processes such as compensation and reorganization often facilitate recovery of lost or impaired

functions. Furthermore, there are experimental treatments that may promote the growth of

neurons in the mature nervous system; these neurons eventually may take the place of cells that

were damaged, and thus restore function.

In this Application Assignment, you will apply your knowledge of neural communication,

functions of specific brain areas, and mechanisms for recovery from brain damage to a case in

which an individual suffered a stroke to his right hemisphere.

To prepare for this assignment:

 Review Chapter 2, focusing on how neural communication is likely to be disrupted by the

loss of brain cells.

 Review Chapter 3 and refer to Figure 3.10, paying attention to how areas of the motor

cortex correspond to movement produced in specific parts of the body. Also review the

section entitled "Development and Change in the Nervous System," focusing on why

brain cells are not usually replaced in the mature brain as well as on ways in which the

patient might recover some of his lost functions.

The assignment (1–2 pages):

 Read the following case study:

o Joseph is a 59-year-old construction worker who recently suffered a stroke. A

small blood clot became lodged in one of the vessels serving the right side of his

brain and restricted blood flow to a portion of his right precentral gyrus. Many

neurons in that area were damaged or destroyed and, as a result, Joseph is

partially paralyzed on the left side of his body. He is able to move his left leg and

walk, and can also move his left arm, but his left hand and the left side of his face

are paralyzed.

 Answer the following questions about the case study:

o Why were Joseph's left face and hand paralyzed, but not the rest of his arm or his

leg?

o What is preventing Joseph from moving his left hand? In your answer, include the

following:

 First, describe normal function of a motor neuron that forms a synapse

with a muscle cell. How is the signal that initiates movement transmitted

from the neuron to the muscle? Describe this process in detail.