230 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Career Corner Career Corner
Anatomy and Physiology at Work Anatomy and Physiology at Work
The nervous system is a complex organ
system that plays an important role in your
body’s responses to numerous stimuli, both
internal and external. That’s quite a wide-
ranging, signifi cant role! Several careers are
dedicated to the study of the nervous system, as
well as to the diagnosis and treatment of neural
disorders. We will explore two of these careers.
Neurologist
A neurologist (noo-RAHL-oh-jist) is a
physician trained in the specialty fi eld of
neurology. Neurology involves the diagnosis
and treatment of neurological injuries and
diseases. A patient is typically referred to a
neurologist by another physician who suspects
that specialized treatment is needed.
Evaluation of a patient by a neurologist
typically begins with a related medical history,
followed by a physical examination that
focuses on the nervous system. Components
of the neurological examination may include
assessment of the patient’s cognitive function,
muscular strength, sensation, refl exes,
coordination, and gait. The neurologist may
order diagnostic imaging studies when
warranted (Figure 6.25).
Conditions commonly treated by
neurologists include all of those discussed in
this lesson. Treatment options vary by condition,
and may include prescription of medications,
referral for physical or occupational therapy, or
referral to a surgeon.
Training to become a neurologist begins
with four years of medical school, followed by
a residency program or fellowship in pediatric
or general neurology. The residency, which is
usually four years, involves specifi c training.
After residency, doctors may choose to pursue
board certifi cation through the American Board
of Psychiatry and Neurology. Some neurologists
voluntarily participate in additional training in
a fellowship program to gain experience in a
subspecialty area.
Neurosurgery is a different specialty that
involves surgical treatment of neurological
conditions. Training to be a neurosurgeon
requires completion of four years of medical
school followed by residency training under the
supervision of neurosurgeons for an additional
seven to eight years.
Neuroscientist
A scientist who specializes in research of
the nervous system is called a neuroscientist.
Neuroscientists usually work in a controlled
laboratory environment. They conduct
experiments to further our understanding of
how the nervous system works. They also
study the causes, treatment, and prevention of
neurological diseases and disorders.
Some neuroscientists study topics such
as the characteristics of the normal, aging
nervous system and the characteristics of
exceptionally well-functioning nervous systems,
such as those of elite athletes. The graph in
Figure 6.26 provides an example of the kind
of information these scientists gather and
study. The graph shows the delay between
the electrical stimulation of a muscle and
the initiation of tension development in that
muscle. This delay increases with aging, but is
James Steidl/Shutterstock.com
Figure 6.25 A neurologist examines the MRI scans
of a patient.