Discuss how their tissue damage or aging could affect the
function of an organ, how it will affect the function of the organ
system, and how it will affect the function of the entire human body.
Be specific in how it affects these higher levels of organization.
Out of the four types of tissue, I chose the nervous tissue. Nervous tissue consists of
two main types of cells: neurons and neuroglia. Nerve cells or neurons transmit nerve
impulses that move information around the body. For this discussion, I am going to focus
on neurons. Neurons act as the body’s electrical wiring, transmitting signals between all
body parts. Let’s talk about what happens if the neurons are damaged. Neurons are
fragile and can be damaged by pressure, stretching, or cutting. An injury to a neuron can
stop the signals transmitted to and from the brain, causing muscles to not work properly
or a loss of feeling in an injured area. Nerve injuries can impact the brain, the spinal cord,
and peripheral nerves.
Focusing on the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are fragile and can be easily
damaged. When damaged, they can interfere with the brain’s ability to communicate
with the muscles and organs, resulting in the loss of motor function, sensory function, or
both. Damage to the peripheral nerves can also result in peripheral neuropathy, a general
term for the malfunctioning of these nerves.
Peripheral nerve injuries can result from diseases such as diabetic nerve problems; can
develop through infections like Guillain-Barré syndrome; can arise from nerve
compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome; or develop from an injury like brachial
plexus injury. Some people are born with peripheral nerve disorders.
Symptoms often start gradually and then get worse, and include:
• Numbness
• Tingling or burning
• Pain
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to touch in the arms, legs, shoulders, or hands
The chance of nerve regeneration is greater within the peripheral nervous system. This is
because these neurons have a different lining, or sheath, of Schwann cells. The central
nervous system does not have these cells. Schwann cells can help damaged nerves
regenerate and restore function. Damaged nerves can grow back about 1 inch per month
or 1 millimeter daily.
Peripheral nerve injuries can be treated nonoperatively with rest, physical therapy,
desensitization techniques, and medications to numb the pain while allowing the nerve
to grow back. Surgical procedures have evolved over the years and produce excellent
results in carefully selected patients with paralyzed muscles, pain, numbness, and lost
function.
My thoughts on the peripheral nervous system are critical in motor and sensory
functions. A multitude of things can go wrong if damaged, such as: losing sensitivity as
well as experiencing muscle weakness, which is vital for us to function properly.
In my opinion, depending on the severity of the injury, the PNS can be maintained after
the damage has been done to it. With advancements being made in modern medicine,
anything is possible.