Anatomical and Physiological Basics

The aim of this chapter is to provide understanding of fundamental anatomical and physiological aspects of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, especially for medical, nursing, and technical personnel. The anatomical section presents the structures of the peripheral and central nervous system as well as the musculoskeletal system that are essential for the reception, processing of, and response to electrophysiological signals. Proper communication between surgical staff and monitoring team in the operating room is facilitated by explaining the positional and directional designations necessary for orientation on the human body. The chapter is completed by the presentation of the physiological basics underlying the generation, propagation, and transmission of electrophysiological signals.