John Jordan PT2006/09/34/ITEC Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Lesson 1 Summary
The Nervous system has two divisions. The central nervous system (voluntary)
controls things such as movement of limbs. The involuntary nervous system controls
things we do not control such as the heart and internal organs.
The involuntary system incorporates the sympathetic (from the brain and lower spinal
cord) and parasympathetic (middle the of spinal cord) systems. The sympathetic
generally increases activity (heart beats faster etc). The parasympathetic has the
opposite effect, decreasing activity (slows heart etc). The involuntary system also
coordinates reflexes (unconscious movements etc)
The brain has 3 main parts.
 The Forebrain (Cerebrum) is the main part of the brain. It initiates and
coordinates voluntary movements
 The Midbrain coordinates eye movements
 The Hindbrain is the lower part of the brain stem and regulates a number of
unconscious processes. The Pons Varoli and Medulla Oblongata relay
sensory/pain feelings and control the heart and lungs respectively. The nerves
cross here so each lobe controls the alternate side
The Cerebellum is behind the brainstem and regulates muscular activity.
The Pituitary Gland secretes hormones in to the blood (an endocrine gland). It
controls growth and other endocrine glands.
The Hypothalamus (forebrain) coordinates the involuntary nervous system and the
pituitary gland. It controls balance of systems in the body (temp etc)
The Spinal cord is a cylinder of nerve fibres that connects the brain to all parts of the
body. There are 31 pairs of nerves that extend from it to various places and 12 that
extend directly form the brain to the head. The 3 types of nerve fibres are motor
(movement) Sensory (feeling) and mixed nerves
John Jordan PT2006/09/34/ITEC Physical Therapy