Nervous system overview: Dental assisting

The nervous system is involved in nearly everything we do. It functions as the body’s main communication and control system, managing coordination, sensation, and responses to internal and external stimuli. As a dental assistant, understanding how the nervous system functions is crucial—not only for monitoring patient comfort and anxiety, but also for recognizing when additional support may be needed.

Alright, so the nervous system is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain, which serves as the central command and control center of the body, and the spinal cord, which is the body’s communication superhighway. In contrast, the PNS is composed of a complex network of nerves that connect the CNS with the rest of the body.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the CNS. The brain controls our thoughts, emotions, and memories, but that’s not all. It’s also busy coordinating the many activities happening throughout the body. Meanwhile, the spinal cord carries messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.

In dental settings, the CNS plays a vital role in your patient’s pain perception, consciousness, and protective reflexes, such as responding to discomfort, anxiety, or sudden stimuli. While monitoring your patient during dental procedures, your knowledge of how the CNS works helps you in understanding your patient’s reactions while providing comfort and ensuring safety.

Now, let’s shift our attention to the PNS, which is divided into two main parts: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions, or things you do on purpose, like making a fist or reaching out for a piece of pie. On the other hand, the autonomic system controls involuntary responses, or things your body does on its own, such as breathing or increasing your heart rate when you’re anxious.

During a dental procedure, you might notice your patient gripping the armrests or an increased breathing rate. Recognizing these responses can help you anticipate and address your patient’s needs effectively.

Now that we’ve reviewed the CNS and PNS, let’s look at neurons, which are the main cells of the nervous system. Neurons have properties like excitability, so they can respond to a stimulus, and conductivity, which allows them to send impulses that coordinate sensation and movement.