Nervous system: part 1
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Nervous system: part 1

Alistair Farley Retired, was lecturer in nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
Carolyn Johnstone Lecturer in nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee
Charles Hendry Retired, was senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee
Ella McLafferty Retired, was senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of three articles on the nervous system, explores the major divisions of the nervous system and their functions. The basic structure of a nerve cell is described, and generation and conduction of nerve impulses is discussed. Blood supply to the brain is also covered. The second article will examine the central nervous system (CNS) in greater detail, including protection of the CNS, and the structure and function of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. The third article will examine the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, and provides an overview of some of the disorders of the nervous system.

Nursing Standard. 28, 31, 46-51. doi: 10.7748/ns2014.04.28.31.46.e7004

Correspondence

c.c.johnstone@dundee.ac.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 30 March 2012

Accepted: 05 November 2012

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