The topics considered in this lecture / laboratory course are centered around  the  basic neuroanatomical and neurophysiological principles essential to establishing a foundation of knowledge related to the human nervous system.  The development, differentiation, and histology of the nervous system will be studied.   The external and internal configuration of the spinal cord, brain stem, cerebellum, and cerebral hemispheres will be discussed. There will be considerable discussion of the neurocircuitry within these regions. Spinal cord pathways along with pathway lesions will be emphasized.  The special sensory systems will be addressed from  peripheral receptors to central neural pathways.  Clinical case studies will be presented and discussed as often as possible.The laboratory sessions will reinforce the structural and functional relationships of the entire neuraxis from spinal cord to cerebral hemispheres.

Course Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to provide the student with a clear understanding of the basic organizational concepts and fundamental functional principles associated with the neurosciences so that they may be applied to the chiropractic clinical environment.

Neuroscience and Chiropractic:

In the current Parker College of Chiropractic catalog it is stated that “The nervous system controls and coordinates all of the other organs and structures, and relates the individual to his environment.” Gray’s Anatomy, 30th edition, page 5.  This principle is the basis of the science, philosophy and art of chiropractic.”

In addition the catalog also states the “The primary science of chiropractic is to free the transmission and expression of the nervous system, quantitatively and qualitatively, motor and sensory.  When the nervous system is free to function, the whole body and almost any condition may be improved.  Chiropractors adjust bones and free nerves.  Thus contrary to the common perception, a Doctor of Chiropractic is a nerve doctor more than a bone doctor.”

Good health is associated with a properly functioning nervous system.  The body is a network of interacting systems within which the nervous system is the master controller.  The nervous system scrutinizes, directs, and brings together the many components of the human body.  The Doctor of Chiropractic adjusts the body to reduce or eliminate a vertebral subluxation in order to restore health to the nervous system.

In Neuroscience I the fundamental principles of the discipline are taught.  This information is needed to form a strong intellectual foundation for further study of the subject and its clinical applications.  Neuroscience II is dependent on the knowledge accumulated in Neuroscience I and presents advanced neuroscience topics that are applied to neurological disease processes and the development of a treatment strategy for the holistic care of the chiropractic patient.

As a primary health care provider an understanding of the Neurosciences provides the chiropractic professional with the ability to intelligently bridge the differences between allopathic and chiropractic concepts and to judiciously interact with other health care providers.

Prerequisites :

PB 3203 or concurrent enrollment