Structure and Function: A Complex Interplay

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Does structure determine function? Or does function determine structure? Two ambiguous questions which may or may not have a decisive answer, does each determine the other? By definition structure is “the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex” (Oxforddictionaries.com, 2016) whereas function is defined as “an activity that is natural to or the purpose of a person or thing” (Oxforddictionaries.com, 2016). Here by definition you can infer that function is natural to a living organism, and thereby determined by structure. It is unknown at this point of time whether structure determines function or function determines structure etc. a bit like the classic “which came first the chicken or the egg?” arguments …show more content…

The function of the spine is to protect the spinal cord, provide structural support and balance whilst helping maintain an upright posture and also allow flexible body motion. The function of the spinal cord is to conduct information. This involves sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the brain, and then motor information from the brain to a range of effectors including muscles and glands (Users.rcn.com, 2016).The spinal cord forms part of the central nervous system, so damage to the spinal cord can have severe consequences on the functioning of the human body as a whole. So how does the structure of the spine and spinal cord allow them to carry out their …show more content…

The myelin sheath has its own specific and characteristic ultrastructure to help it carry out its function efficiently (Morell and Quarles, 1999). Myelin is a modified and extended version of the plasma membrane found in a spherical pattern wrapped around the axon of a neurone. Damage of the myelin sheath can lead to a condition called multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disorder which can result in muscle weakness and walking difficulties amongst things. It is caused by a person’s own immune system attacking the myelin after mistaking it for a foreign body (Mssociety.org.uk, 2016). Myelin which contains many morphological features, such as the “nodes of Ranvier” is visibly seen under a light microscope. Myelin is composed of many different constituents, in a layered pattern. An essential component of myelin is a molecule called cholesterol. Approximately 27% of the structure of myelin is composed of cholesterol (Healthy Eating | SF Gate, 2016). So why is cholesterol so vital for myelin and for neurones as a

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