Why Take This Course?

This introductory course discusses the fundamentals of cellular neurobiology of the brain and nervous system. The central nervous system is a complex network. Understanding the cellular components is key to grasping both normal neurological function and underlying factors contributing to disease and dysfunction.

The nervous system is organized into functional units. Our primary focus will be on its cellular building blocks, and other supporting elements, and how they are interconnected. We will examine the role of mitochondria in fueling neuronal activity and how lysosomes handle cellular waste, which often plays a part in neurodegenerative conditions. We also cover the diverse functions of glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells, as essential components that contribute to neural support and modulation.

The course will also introduce major causes of nervous system dysfunction, including cerebral ischemia, inflammatory symptoms, and various other cerebral dysfunctions, even touching on malignant disorders. We provide an overview of the cellular underpinnings of psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer's disease, metabolic syndromes, and general disorders stemming from neurological events and syndromes. Consider this a foundational course, with more in-depth discussions of these topics planned for later in the series. This course applies to physical and occupational therapists, assistants, athletic trainers, nurses, and medical students.

Upon successful completion of this course, the rehab professional will be able to:

• Describe the fundamental cellular organization of the brain and nervous system, differentiating between neurons and other cellular components, and explaining how their interconnections contribute to both normal function and disease.
• Identify the critical roles of key cellular organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes in neuronal health and dysfunction, and discuss the basic functions of glial cells as essential supporting elements of the nervous system.
• Recognize major cellular and molecular causes of nervous system dysfunction, including an introduction to cerebral ischemia, inflammatory processes, and various cerebral dysfunctions, including malignant disorders.
• Connect cellular-level alterations to broader neurological conditions, providing an overview of how cellular changes contribute to psychiatric disorders, Alzheimers disease, metabolic syndromes, and general disorders resulting from neurological events.

Personal Note from the Content Creator

It was through my personal journey of over three decades in physical therapy, working across diverse clinical settings and treating countless diagnoses, that one insight was consistently reinforced: true clinical excellence isn't achieved by rote memorization of protocols. To provide the best, most individualized care, I realized I needed a deep command of the underlying mechanisms of dysfunction, allowing me to be flexible and progressive enough to adapt immediately to every patient's unique and changing needs.

This fundamental philosophy is the foundation of our courses; we build these educational programs to move beyond simple learning by providing the essential reasoning, functional anatomy, and practical application through case studies and real-life examples, anchoring the knowledge you gain directly to the standard of care. We believe this focus on deep understanding is the most valuable path to growth, a belief we back up by dedicating a portion of our efforts to support the therapists and associations who help us develop this specialized education for our peers. My ultimate hope is that our courses will empower you to become a better therapist by applying this fundamental understanding of anatomical dysfunction directly to the development of highly adaptable, patient-specific rehabilitation programs.

Other Courses in this Series