participate in contact sports

Do not write this assignment as question/answer. Put everything together as one complete essay.

Your brain sits in your skull and is surrounded by cerebral fluid. When a head injury occurs, the brain may collide with the skull, then “bounce back” and collide with the opposite side of the skull. At the neuronal level, blow strong enough to create a concussion has the effect of twisting or stretching of the axons, which in turn creates swelling. In many cases, the swelling will subside and the neuron may return to normal. However, if the swelling of the axon is severe enough, the axon may break down and can cause permanent damage. Many athletes will experience multiple concussions over the course of their career. Recently the NFL has stated it expects 1 in 3 former players will develop long-term cognitive issues.

Imagine a football player is tackled and hits the back of his head. As a result, his brain has hit the back of his skull, then the front. Answer the following questions:

1. Name at least four specific brain structures {not just the lobes/cortexes} that would likely be affected. Why do you think these structures are at risk for damage in a hit like the one described above?

2. What are the functions of these four structures?

3. Based on the functions of the brain areas you identified above, what temporary symptoms would you expect to see as result from trauma to these brain areas and why?

4. Since football players are at risk for experiencing multiple concussions during their lifetime, what type of long-term issues would you expect to see from more permanent damage to the brain areas you identified above and why?

5. Based on what you have written, what type of regulations would you recommend for how soon a player (of any sport) can return after a concussion?

6. Would you allow your own child to participate in contact sports? Why or why not?

For this assignment, you will likely need to use outside sources. Make sure they are scholarly sour