The Modular Construction of the Nervous System - Essay Example

Nervous System Research NERVOUS SYSTEM RESEARCH The modular construction of the nervous system is a characteristic of vertebrate tissue. Modules are parallel and serial processing units, which allow mammals like man to evolve even with their complicated nervous system and large brains. These are ellipsoidal or columnar compartments, which are only, visualized using particular anatomical techniques (Paxinos & Mai, 2013). The cortical columns or modules are usually more in mammals than they are in invertebrate nervous system where they are compartmentalized during construction. In most cases, during construction, they are laterally adjoined and form tissue slabs extending over a few millimetres. While using physiological data, it is clear that nervous system modules are active local circuits, rather than mere anatomical entities. During construction, the specific activities that characterize each module are dependent on both extrinsic and intrinsic neuronal components, its phylogenetic history, and functional roles (Paxinos & Mai, 2013). Numerous intra-cellular and cellular phenomena that are common in most vertebrates underlie how the modules are constructed. In fact, the glial and neuronal interactions, as well as how they interplay with extra-cellular space environment is dependent on molecular families that have broad phyletic occurrences (Paxinos & Mai, 2013). The construction mechanism is accountable to a large degree on for the immense widespread incidence of processing units in the nervous system. Replicating the nervous system as a strategy by using basic unit replication has various advantages, including the allowance of the nervous system to economize on the length and size of neuronal branches required for interconnections. In addition, it also ensures that the nervous system is able to reach the appropriate targets as development of the system occurs (Paxinos & Mai, 2013). Finally, it is able to modulate particular circuits that occur in a bigger nervous system network. Currently, research contends that majority of the nervous system’s activity originates inside the system itself, while there is significant proof as to the indeterminacy of the process that is generative of this processes (McDowell, 2011). In addition, the nervous system’s own activity continually modifies the system. The NS is more of an exploratory device that continually builds models and revises them through the observation of resulting inputs and the generation of output. Moreover, the NS has individuality that is distinct with the capacity to come up with an internal organization and the creation of candidate models. Any effort at controlling the NS through attempts to control input is not possible and, instead, one should engage it as a complex system with individuality and its own creative and evolutionary dynamics. The bipartite arrangement of the nervous system aids in coming up with the conclusion that most of what the nervous system of an individual does is not tied to the experience of the individual (McDowell, 2011). An individual’s experience is an interpretation of sensory inputs that is carried out by nervous system processes that are normally unknown and unpredictable to a degree. In addition, an external observer will consider the self to be a complex and evolving blend of internal and external experiences. This bipartite arrangement is responsible for concepts like agency, freedom, and individuality in persons (McDowell, 2011). The nervous system is an explorer as a whole, while its distinguishable parts are also explorers, as well. In addition, exploration and interpretation are different with regards to the whole nervous system and its distinguishable parts. There are numerous variables in the working of the unconscious, which is rarely concerned with uncertainty and ambiguity. Rather, it functions in relation to the present occurrences, rather than to what could happen. The nervous system’s I-function works with a small amount of variables, searching for explicit and clear relationships (McDowell, 2011). This creates an individual’s capacity to view reality beyond what they have experienced directly. The nervous system’s bipartite organization makes reality and the self-concepts more fluid. The back and forth trading of stories between the I-function and the unconscious enhances its exploratory ability significantly, yielding unending ability for the conception of the self and the external world (McDowell, 2011). Moreover, it also allows for the building of capacity to make choices and a nurturable capacity to be a change agent regarding the self and the world. Therefore, the construction of the NS leads to an evolving explorer that is alterable by experience and can reflect on occurrences, while also attempting to make sense of what they experience. In order for its capabilities to be fully explored and exploited, usability professionals and educators must all learn how to accept the fluidity of self and reality. In exchange, it is possible to attain a new sense of humanity and the individual as skilled explorers and participants in the exploration of what man shares with various components in the universe (McDowell, 2011). However, nervous system research has caused controversy for various reasons. The first controversy has to do with funding for the research, in which neuroscientists debate as to whether this effort is warranted or actually threatens research that is more vital, especially with the current budget cuts (Acton, 2012). The federal research grants have seen increased competition as the National Institute of Health’s budget has remained flat in the last five years, which is in contrast to the previous decade’s trend of a doubling budget. While there are those who believe that nervous system research is important for its ability to tell mankind more about the brain, especially since collaborative efforts funded by the government will be more successful than individual research, there are those who believe its is both non-ambitious and too expensive. In fact, most believe that understanding the nervous system should begin with smaller animals that man is yet to understand. This, they claim, would lead to the research projects causing a loss of jobs for numerous lab chiefs in the country as it is very expensive, while, as mentioned, the budget for research remains flat (Acton, 2012). Moreover, various societal, legal, and ethical issues cause controversy in nervous system research. There are conceptual issues that surround disagreements as to what actually constitutes nervous system research, while obtaining the required informed consent from the people who will be studied is also a controversial issue since some of them have to possess behavioural difficulties (Acton, 2012). In addition, there is disagreement as to the risk/benefit analysis, while the consequences of nervous system research for the quality of future life for both patients and families is controversial. The side effects of nervous system research, such as possible sleep quality effects from neuro-feedback of sensory-motor rhythm training, has also caused controversy, as has issues concerning personhood and personality and the ability of nervous system research to alter them (Acton, 2012). Finally, there are research ethics questions when the research moves on from animal research to human research and its applicability to humans whose nervous systems are more complex. References Acton, Ashton. (2012). Advances in Nervous System Research and Application: 2012 Edition: Scholarly Brief. Scholarly Editions. McDowell, J. (2004). The nervous system and sense organs. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press. Paxinos, G., & Mai, J. K. (2013). The human nervous system. Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press. Read More