ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on central nervous system structures and pathways that are behaviorally significant and that participate in adaptive functioning with the purpose of clarifying posttraumatic and other impairments, thus enhancing examination precision and the focus of treatment. Neurons’ neurosecretory function involves release of neurotransmitters into synapses via axons. The neurotransmitter may act directly on the cell membrane or it may stimulate internal chemical reactions known as second messengers. While neurotransmitters are the active agent in widespread systems, there are numerous other signaling systems. Neurohypophyseal cells are found in the magnocellular nuclei of the hypothalamus and secrete vasopressin and oxytocin via the neural pathway into the posterior pituitary. Diffuse axonal injury creates gross impairment and unpredictable consequences by interfering with integration of complex circuits, some of which are arranged in networks with cross-communicating pathways having a consensus output. Arousal is a general description of the level of physiological activity, including the brain, the autonomic nervous system, and activated soma.
