by Deshpande Alaka
Neurology is the study of the nervous system. Body functions are controlled by a neuroendocrine system. The nervous system consists of specialized cells for different functions. They receive the sensory stimuli, integrate them, process them recalling the past experiences if necessary and then transmit motor impulses to the effector organs, which may be muscles or endocrine glands. Corticospinal pathway begins from the cortical cells (Betz) and terminates at a synapse. Cerebrovascular diseases denote any abnormality or impairment of cerebral circulation resulting in a neurodeficit, which is acute or abrupt. Stroke is the term used synonymously with cerebrovascular accidents. Paraplegia is paralysis of both the lower limbs (LLs). The patient suffers from the inability to move the LLs. Voluntary muscles are the final effector organs to carry out a voluntary movement. Muscle disorders result in flaccid weakness of the limbs. Coma is a sleep like state but not sleep. Change in alertness or consciousness of the person is also termed as the altered sensorium. The book provides a detailed explanation of numerous disorders of the nervous system.
