ASSIGNMENT 07
Human Anatomy
Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double-spaced pages; refer to the “Assignment Format” page located on the Course Home page for specific format requirements.
· Determine the differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
· Understand the importance of neurotransmitters.
· Discuss the differences between Alzheimer’s and old age.
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“We celebrate our ability to create machines that move as man, yet we take for granted the miracle that is the human body,” is a famous quote by David Alejandro Fearnhead. Human anatomy is the scientific study of the physical structure and workings of the human body. According to Preim et al. (2018), human anatomy encompasses many disciplines, from the microscopic structures of cells and tissues to the macroscopic structures of bones and organs. The study of anatomy provides a comprehensive understanding of how the body is put together and how it functions. Preim et al. (2018) also stated that one of the most fundamental aspects of human anatomy is the study of the skeletal system. The body’s bones serve as the framework that supports and protects the body’s vital organs while also playing a crucial role in movement and locomotion (Tieland, 2018). The bones are connected by joints, which allow for movement while also serving as shock absorbers. The skeletal system produces red and white blood cells in the bone marrow (Tieland, 2018).
Preim et al. (2018) also stated that another critical aspect of human anatomy is the study of the muscular system. The muscles of the bodywork, in conjunction with the bones, enable movement, maintain posture, and generate force (Reese, 2020). There are three different types of muscles in the body: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. As the name suggests, skeletal muscles are attached to the bones and are responsible for voluntary movement. Smooth muscles are found in the walls of organs and are responsible for involuntary movement, while the cardiac muscle is located in the heart and is responsible for the rhythmic contractions that keep the heart beating (Reese, 2020). Preim et al. (2018) also stated that the respiratory system is critical to human anatomy. According to Santacrose et al. (2020), the respiratory system is responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, comprising the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli. The respiratory system works with the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and ensure the efficient exchange of gases (Santacrose et al., 2020). This paper will discuss the differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, the importance of neurotransmitters and the differences between Alzheimer’s and old age.
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play different roles in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is called the “fight or flight” response. According to Shoemaker et al. (2018), the sympathetic nervous system is activated during times of stress or danger and prepares the body to respond accordingly; This response is characterized by increased heart rate, increased respiration, increased sweating, increased blood flow to the muscles, and a decrease in blood flow to the digestive system. These changes help prepare the body for physical activity, allowing it to respond quickly and effectively to a perceived threat. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the “rest and digest” response. According to Tindle et al. (2022), the parasympathetic nervous system is activated during relaxation and digestion, and helps conserve energy. It slows down the heart rate, decreases respiration, decreases blood flow to the muscles, and increases blood flow to the digestive system. All of these changes help conserve energy and promote relaxation, allowing the body to rest and recover from stress (Tindle et al., 2022).
Another key difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems is the type of neurotransmitter they use. The sympathetic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine as its neurotransmitter, while the parasympathetic nervous system primarily uses acetylcholine ((Tindle et al., 2022). He also stated that norepinephrine is a stimulant that increases heart rate, respiration, and blood flow to the muscles, while acetylcholine has a calming effect, slowing down the heart rate, respiration, and blood flow to the muscles. Thus, another key difference between the two systems is their type of neurotransmitter.
The cause of the changes experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are simply aging is a key difference between these two conditions. Understanding this difference is essential in accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions and understanding the underlying mechanisms contributing to cognitive decline. According to Scheltens et al. (2021), Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the death of brain cells and the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain. For example, genetic factors such as specific genes and a family history of Alzheimer’s can increase the risk of developing the disease (Scheltens et al., 2021). In contrast, the changes experienced by individuals who are simply aging are due to a gradual decline in physical and cognitive function. According to Wenger (2021), Ageing is a normal part of life due to genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Although aging can cause a decline in cognitive function, it does not cause the same level of brain cell death or the formation of plaques and tangles as Alzheimer’s. The Difference in the cause of the changes between Alzheimer’s and old age has important implications for treatment and management (Wenger, 2021). Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medications and therapies that can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. In contrast, there is no specific treatment for old age, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, and staying mentally and socially active can help to reduce the impact of aging on cognitive function. Thus, the cause of the changes experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are simply aging is a key difference between these two conditions.
The rate and pattern of decline experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are simply aging is another essential difference between these two conditions. Understanding this difference is crucial in accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions and predicting cognitive decline over time. According to Rasmussen et al. (2019), Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition typically leading to a decline in cognitive function over time. The rate of decline can vary from person to person, but it is generally faster in individuals with Alzheimer’s compared to those who are simply aging. For example, an individual with Alzheimer’s may experience rapid declines in memory, language, and thinking skills for a few years, while someone who is simply aging may experience a more gradual decline over several decades (Rasmussen et al., 2019). In contrast, the pattern of decline experienced by individuals who are simply aging is more gradual and stable over time. While aging can cause a decline in cognitive function, it does not typically lead to rapid or dramatic changes in memory, language, and thinking skills. Instead, individuals who are simply aging may experience a gradual decline in these areas, with declines that may be more stable over time (Rasmussen et al., 2019). Thus, the rate and pattern of decline experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are simply aging is another essential difference between these two conditions.
In conclusion, human anatomy is a complex and fascinating subject that provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical structure and workings of the human body. From the bones and muscles to the digestive and respiratory systems, each part of the body plays a crucial role in maintaining health and well-being. The human nervous system is divided into two major branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. These two branches work in opposition to one another, helping to regulate various physiological processes in the body and maintain homeostasis. Understanding the differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is crucial for understanding how the body responds to stress and various stimuli. The cause of the changes experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s and those who are simply aging is a key difference between these two conditions. Understanding this difference is essential for accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions and developing a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to cognitive decline. The rate and pattern of decline experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are simply aging is a key difference between these two conditions. Understanding this difference is essential for accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions and developing effective strategies for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and aging. By studying anatomy, we can better understand the intricate interactions and relationships between the different systems of the body and how they work together to keep us alive and functioning.
Preim, B., & Saalfeld, P. (2018). A survey of virtual human anatomy education systems. Computers & Graphics, 71, 132-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cag.2018.01.005
Rasmussen, J., & Langerman, H. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease–why we need an early diagnosis. Degenerative neurological and neuromuscular disease, 123-130.
Reese, N. B. (2020). Muscle and Sensory Testing-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Santacroce, L., Charitos, I. A., Ballini, A., Inchingolo, F., Luperto, P., De Nitto, E., & Topi, S. (2020). The human respiratory system and its microbiome are at a glimpse. Biology, 9(10), 318. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology9100318
Scheltens, P., De Strooper, B., Kivipelto, M., Holstege, H., Chételat, G., Teunissen, C. E., … & van der Flier, W. M. (2021). Alzheimer’s disease. The Lancet, 397(10284), 1577-1590. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32205-4
Shoemaker, J. K., Klassen, S. A., Badrov, M. B., & Fadel, P. J. (2018). Fifty years of microneurography: learning the language of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in humans. Journal of Neurophysiology, 119(5), 1731-1744. https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00841.2017
Tieland, M., Trouwborst, I., & Clark, B. C. (2018). Skeletal muscle performance and Ageing. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 9(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.12238
Tindle, J., & Tadi, P. (2022). Neuroanatomy, parasympathetic nervous system. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
Wenger, G. C. (2021). The supportive network: Coping with old age. Routledge.