Primary Body System Analysis

The primary body system involved with schizophrenia and depression is the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. Within the nervous system, the CNS is the integration and control centre. Through communicating cells named neurons, the CNS interprets sensory input and generates motor output (Marieb & Hoehn, 2013). Neurons are cells that are specialised for rapid communication. Communication between neurons occurs at junctional points, or synapses. (Kiernan & Barr, 2005). There are two types of synapses, electrical and chemical. A chemical synapse is separated by a synaptic cleft, a space filled with interstitial fluid. In response to a nerve impulse, a neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft that binds to the membrane of the receiving neuron. Neurotransmitters are also released at the end of motor neurons, which stimulate the muscle fibres (Jenkins, Kemnitz & Tortora, 2010). Several neurotransmission systems have various roles in perception, mood and behaviour (McCrae & Khan, 2014). …show more content…
The roles of dopamine and glutamate within neurotransmission have been seen as the underlying hypothesis of schizophrenia. Surplus dopamine neurotransmission has been suggested as the cause for psychosis, with dopamine D2 receptor blockers being current and effective treatment (Seeman, 2009). Research has also suggested that excess or insufficient glutamate activity may also cause symptoms of schizophrenia (“The glutamate hypothesis,” 2009). Correspondingly, the roles of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine have also been shown to have an association with depressive disorder (McCrae & Khan,