9.4 Evaluate Nutritional Strategies to Impact Hematological Wellness
4 min read•june 18, 2024
The nervous system is a complex network that controls our body's functions. It's made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, working together to process information and coordinate responses. This system is crucial for everything we do, from breathing to thinking.
Communication in the nervous system happens through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons transmit messages, while neurotransmitters carry information between cells. This intricate system helps maintain balance in our body, responding to changes and keeping us functioning properly.
Overview of the Nervous System
Structure and function of nervous system
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- Complex network of cells and tissues transmits signals throughout the body
- Composed of brain, spinal cord, and vast network of nerves
- Primary function receives, processes, and transmits information to coordinate and regulate bodily functions
- Sensory input receives and interprets sensory information from internal and external stimuli (touch, sight, sound)
- Integration processes and analyzes sensory information in brain and spinal cord
- Motor output sends signals to muscles, glands, and organs to initiate appropriate responses (muscle contraction, hormone release)
- Nervous system cells
- Neurons specialized cells transmit electrical and chemical signals
- Cell body (soma) contains nucleus and organelles
- Dendrites branched extensions receive signals from other neurons
- Axon long, thin extension transmits signals to other neurons or effector cells (muscles, glands)
- Glial cells non-neuronal cells support and protect neurons
- Astrocytes provide structural support, regulate neurotransmitter levels, and maintain blood-brain barrier
- Oligodendrocytes (CNS) and Schwann cells (PNS) form myelin sheath around axons for insulation and faster signal transmission
- Microglia immune cells protect against infection and clear cellular debris
- Neurons specialized cells transmit electrical and chemical signals
Nervous system communication for homeostasis
- Communication within nervous system occurs through electrical and chemical signaling
- Electrical signaling involves changes in membrane potential of neurons
- Resting potential stable, negative membrane potential of neuron when not actively transmitting signals (around -70 mV)
- Action potential rapid, transient change in membrane potential propagates along axon when threshold reached
- Chemical signaling involves release of neurotransmitters at synapses between neurons
- Neurotransmitters chemical messengers released by presynaptic neurons bind to receptors on postsynaptic neurons or effector cells (acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin)
- Synaptic transmission process by which neurotransmitters are released, cross synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors, causing excitation or inhibition of postsynaptic cell
- Electrical signaling involves changes in membrane potential of neurons
- Nervous system maintains homeostasis by constantly monitoring and adjusting bodily functions
- Feedback loops mechanisms allow nervous system to detect changes in body and initiate corrective actions
- Negative feedback detects deviations from set point and initiates responses to return system to normal state (thermoregulation, blood pressure control)
- Positive feedback amplifies change in body to achieve specific outcome (oxytocin release during childbirth)
- Autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration
- Sympathetic division prepares body for "fight or flight" responses by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose release
- Parasympathetic division promotes "rest and digest" functions by slowing heart rate, increasing digestion, and promoting relaxation
- Feedback loops mechanisms allow nervous system to detect changes in body and initiate corrective actions
Nervous System Adaptability and Protection
- Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life
- Allows for learning, memory formation, and recovery from brain injuries
- Neurotransmission: The process of communication between neurons through chemical signals
- Enables rapid and precise information transfer throughout the nervous system
- Blood-brain barrier: A selective barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances in the bloodstream
- Regulates the passage of molecules between the blood and the central nervous system
Divisions of the Nervous System
Central vs peripheral nervous systems
- Nervous system divided into two main components: central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Consists of brain and spinal cord
- Role integrates and processes information, makes decisions, and coordinates bodily functions
- Brain control center of nervous system
- Cerebrum responsible for higher cognitive functions, sensory processing, and voluntary movement
- Cerebellum coordinates balance, posture, and fine motor control
- Brainstem regulates vital functions such as respiration, heart rate, and consciousness
- Spinal cord bundle of nerves extends from brainstem and serves as conduit for signals between brain and body
- Ascending tracts carry sensory information from body to brain
- Descending tracts carry motor commands from brain to body
- Spinal reflexes rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli occur without input from brain (knee-jerk reflex)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- Consists of nerves and ganglia outside brain and spinal cord
- Role connects CNS to rest of body, transmitting sensory information and motor commands
- Sensory (afferent) division carries sensory information from receptors in body to CNS
- Somatic sensory detects touch, pressure, temperature, pain, and proprioception
- Visceral sensory monitors internal organs and glands
- Motor (efferent) division carries motor commands from CNS to muscles and glands
- Somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles
- Autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions of smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands
- Sympathetic division
- Parasympathetic division
Key Terms to Review (38)
Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced number or impaired function of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This can have significant implications for an individual's overall health and wellness, particularly in the context of nursing practice and the management of various medical conditions.
Blood disorders: Blood disorders are conditions that affect the components and functions of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. These disorders can impact oxygen transport, immune response, and overall hematologic wellness.
Bone Marrow: Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside the hollow cavities of bones. It is responsible for the production of various blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are essential for hematological wellness across the lifespan and can be impacted by nutritional strategies and treatments.
Erythrocytes: Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells (RBCs), are the most abundant type of blood cells in the human body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs, playing a crucial role in the hematological system.
Erythropoiesis: Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell (erythrocyte) production and maturation. It is a crucial component of the hematological system, responsible for maintaining adequate red blood cell levels to ensure efficient oxygen transport throughout the body.
Erythropoietin: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of red blood cell production and is closely linked to the hematological system and renal function.
Ferrous sulfate: Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement commonly used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. It helps replenish the body's iron stores and improve hemoglobin levels.
Folate: Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body, including neurological, hematological, and cardiovascular wellness. It is particularly important during periods of rapid growth and development, such as pregnancy and early childhood.
Fortified Foods: Fortified foods are food products that have been enriched with additional nutrients, vitamins, or minerals beyond their natural state. This process is used to enhance the nutritional profile of foods and address potential nutrient deficiencies in the population.
Health education interventions: Health education interventions are structured activities aimed at improving health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. These interventions are crucial for promoting nutritional wellness and preventing hematologic conditions.
Health literacy: Health literacy is the ability to obtain, read, understand, and use healthcare information to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. It is crucial for effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Hematinics: Hematinics are nutrients that are essential for the proper formation and function of red blood cells (RBCs) and the overall health of the hematological system. They are critical in the prevention and treatment of various blood disorders and anemias.
Heme Iron: Heme iron is a form of dietary iron that is highly bioavailable and efficiently absorbed by the body. It is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs. It is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in tissues, which supports overall cellular function and metabolism.
Hemoglobin Synthesis: Hemoglobin synthesis is the biological process by which the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin is produced within red blood cells. This process is crucial for maintaining hematological wellness and overall health across the lifespan.
Hemolysis: Hemolysis refers to the rupture or destruction of red blood cells, leading to the release of their contents, including hemoglobin, into the surrounding fluid or bloodstream. This process is an important consideration in the context of evaluating nutritional strategies to impact hematological wellness and understanding the impact of nutrition on hematologic wellness across the lifespan.
Hepcidin: Hepcidin is a hormone produced by the liver that plays a crucial role in regulating iron homeostasis within the body. It acts as a master regulator of iron metabolism, controlling the absorption, distribution, and storage of this essential mineral.
Iron Supplementation: Iron supplementation refers to the intake of additional iron beyond what is obtained through diet, typically in the form of oral iron supplements or intravenous iron infusions. This practice is employed to address iron deficiency or prevent iron-related health issues, particularly in the context of the hematological system and overall wellness.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient iron, leading to a decrease in the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. This impairs the body's ability to transport oxygen effectively, resulting in various health consequences.
Macrocytic: Macrocytic refers to the presence of abnormally large red blood cells, also known as macrocytes, in the bloodstream. This condition is often associated with certain nutritional deficiencies or underlying medical conditions that impact the production and maturation of red blood cells.
Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based eating pattern that emphasizes the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods commonly found in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. This diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, along with moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and red wine. The Mediterranean diet has been extensively studied for its numerous health benefits, including its positive impact on evidence-based practice and nutrition, gut health, neurological wellness, endocrine wellness, hematological wellness, cardiovascular wellness, pulmonary wellness, and musculoskeletal and integumentary wellness.
Megaloblastic Anemia: Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by the presence of abnormally large red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow. This condition arises due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, which are essential for the proper development and maturation of red blood cells.
Microcytic: Microcytic refers to red blood cells (erythrocytes) that are smaller in size than normal. This condition is often associated with certain types of anemia, where the body is unable to produce enough hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
Motivation: Motivation is the internal drive or external stimulus that initiates and sustains behaviors aimed at achieving specific goals. In clinical nutrition, motivation can significantly influence a patient's adherence to dietary recommendations for hematologic wellness.
Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, directive counseling approach aimed at eliciting behavior change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence. It is particularly effective in promoting healthier lifestyle choices, including dietary habits.
Nutrient Bioavailability: Nutrient bioavailability refers to the degree to which a nutrient in food or supplement form can be absorbed and utilized by the body for physiological functions. It is a crucial concept in understanding the effectiveness of nutritional strategies to impact hematological wellness.
Nutritional Assessment: Nutritional assessment is the systematic process of evaluating an individual's nutritional status, health, and dietary intake. It is a comprehensive evaluation that examines various aspects of a person's nutritional well-being to identify potential deficiencies, imbalances, or areas for improvement. This assessment is crucial in developing effective nutritional strategies to address specific health concerns.
Nutritional interventions: Nutritional interventions are targeted dietary strategies and modifications aimed at improving health outcomes. In hematologic wellness, these interventions focus on supporting blood health and preventing or managing blood-related conditions.
Nutritional lifestyle: Nutritional lifestyle encompasses the dietary habits and choices that influence an individual's overall health and wellness. It includes the selection, preparation, and consumption of food in a way that supports bodily functions and disease prevention.
Nutritional literacy: Nutritional literacy is the ability to understand and utilize nutritional information to make informed decisions about diet and health. It involves comprehension of dietary guidelines, food labels, and the impact of nutrition on overall wellness.
Phytates: Phytates, also known as phytic acid, are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods, particularly grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. They are considered antinutrients due to their ability to bind to and reduce the bioavailability of essential minerals, such as iron, zinc, and calcium, in the human body.
Plant-Based Diet: A plant-based diet is a dietary pattern that emphasizes the consumption of foods derived from plant sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing or excluding animal-derived products like meat, dairy, and eggs. This dietary approach focuses on the health benefits and environmental sustainability associated with a plant-centric way of eating.
Serum Ferritin: Serum ferritin is a blood test that measures the amount of ferritin, the main iron-storage protein in the body. It provides an indication of the body's total iron stores and is a useful marker for assessing iron status and diagnosing iron deficiency or overload.
Tannins: Tannins are a group of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds found in various plant-based foods and beverages. They are known for their astringent and bitter properties, and their ability to bind and precipitate proteins, alkaloids, and other organic compounds.
Transferrin: Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in the blood that plays a crucial role in the transport and regulation of iron within the body. It is a key component in the hematological system and is closely tied to protein metabolism and overall nutritional status.
Transtheoretical Model: The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is a framework for understanding how individuals progress through stages of change to adopt healthier behaviors. It consists of five key stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including vision, immune function, cell growth and differentiation, and the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes. It is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through dietary sources or supplementation.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the proper functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of DNA. It is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements.