The Intelligent Patient Overview

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Introduction to Peripheral Neuropathy
The nervous system controls the smooth functioning of all systems in the body
as well as all
interactions between the human being and the environment. The nervous
system is comprised of
millions of neurons that are interconnected and form a communications
network within the body
that governs many vital functions including:
• The five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste)
• Voluntary functions (e.g. walking, holding an object)
• Involuntary functions (e.g. breathing, blood pressure)
• Cognitive reasoning
The human nervous system has two major components:
• Central nervous system - includes the brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral nervous system - includes the nerves that lead from the brain and
spinal cord to
all parts of the body. An extensive system of specialized nerves makes up the
peripheral