Central Nervous System: A Neurosis Case Study

Background MS (MS) is an auto immune disease which affects neurons of the central nervous system. A neuron consists of three main parts: an axon, dendrite, and a cell body. The axon is usually myelinated with a substance known as the myelin sheath, created by oligodendrocytes. This consists of twenty percent protein and eighty percent lipid. Each oligodendrocyte creates enough myelin to wrap around several axons. The periodic gaps between the neurons are known as nodes of Ranvier, where the nerve signals jump from node to node in a process known as salutatory conduction. Nodes of Ranvier have ion channels, which allow them to exchange ions and generate action potential. The purpose of the myelin sheath is to insulate the axon, and speed up the rate of an action potential. MS involves the body’s own immune system attacking the myelin sheath, instead of foreign tissue, and thus eroding it. The result is that the nerve signals are not transmitted as quickly and efficiently as anticipated, causing many problems. When the myelin sheath is eroded, the axon of the neuron is left exposed. This hampers the interaction between body parts and nerve impulses to the extent that communication can be slowed down, …show more content…
People who live closer to the equator are less likely to get MS compared to people who live at further distances from the equator. An explanation for this is that sunlight is rich in Vitamin D and there is more sunlight near the equator, compared to areas further away from the equator. This research implies that lack of Vitamin D may be responsible for the onset of MS. If a person is deficient in Vitamin D, they may have a greater chance of getting this disease. A key area of interest in patients with MS is whether or not additional doses of Vitamin D supplements will help alleviate some of the symptoms, which include numbness and lack of