INTEGRATED NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTIONS THE INF DIAGRAM

To give a clear understanding of mind/body interractions, studies of Neurology must analyse carefully the neurological functions identified on the INF diagram. They characterize the activities associated to sensory perception and motor reaction.           The INF diagram illustrates how all detected stimuli are perceived on three main levels of awareness and may trigger myriads of networks of neurological responses.           To become familiar with the  INF diagram,  start at the bottom and move clockward over each process arc. Read below how the detection of a stimulus emits three signals. Follow the paths that illustrate the network of neurological functions the signals may trigger. Keep in mind that at every moment a sentient being experiences trillions of stimuli. Note: This is a temporary picture. It will be replaced, at a later date with better coloring and each function  linked to an explanation of its mechanism.

Copyright 1999, 2002. All right reserved to Michel Kaplan and Beau Geste S.O.A.R.

This page was last updated on: August 17, 2005

DETECTION OF A STIMULUS AND NEUROLOGICAL CONTROL           Neurological control depends on where and how the neurological system detects a stimulus.  The detection can take place locally at a dendrite or any neuron's terminal, in a ganglion somewhere isolated or part of a plexus of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), or in the Central Nervous System (CNS) that includes the spinal chord and the brain.           In a healthy sentient being, no matter where a stimulus is detected it sends signals that can be perceived at three main levels of neurological awareness.  Locally, in ganglia and in plexi the signal may trigger an immediate reflex reaction.  In the spinal chord the signal may cause  autonomous reactions regulated by the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). Simultaneously, the signal is sent to the brain. There it is processed consciously and autonomously. The conscious process may trigger a controlled reaction that could override the reflex reactions. All signals received by the brain may leave an imprint, and are at least recorded in memory.                              The learning process can be triggered by new stimuli and/or by memories. Decisions to change the response to stimuli may affect temporarily or permanently the behavior and the control of motor reactions. These changes are imprinted adjustments made to the SNS. Their influence contributes to the regulating process of reflex reactions.