MUAY SENA COMBATIVES:THE ORGANISMS 7 SYSTEMS WHICH ARE VULNERABLE TO ATTACK

Muay Sena Combatives are characterized by the violent interplay of two or more human beings in physical conflict. At it's very core the study of the topic of combat there must lie a knowledge and functional understanding of the vulnerable portions and systems of the human anatomy and physiology. At the most fundamental level, effective and intelligent combat skills are rooted in the knowledge of one's own anatomical and physiological strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the adversary. The author of this work has identified seven systems of the organism which may be adversely affected by the introduction of bodily force.

This chapter is intended to assist the practitioner and serious student of Combatives in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding the organisms various systems and the respective methods of attacking the Human Bodies Vulnerable systems and exploiting their inherent weaknesses. In this chapter we shall endeavor to categorize the various systems of the organism and delineate the appropriate strategies, tactics and techniques which are optimal for attacking the respective systems and targets of the Human Organism 

Let us commence by briefly outlining the 7 systems of the human organism which may be compromised by the introduction of bodily force.

1. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

2. THE SENSORY SYSTEM

3. THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM 

4. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM 

5. THE ARTICULAR SYSTEM 

6. THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

7. THE DERMAL SYSTEM 

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM:

The Nervous System of the human organism consists of two complementary, but distinct systems. These systems are known as the "Central Nervous System" (CNS) and the "Peripheral Nervous System" (PNS). Simply stated the CNS is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord while the PNS is made up of the nerves which enervate the organism as a whole.

When discussing the introduction of adverse physical force to effect or otherwise compromise the nervous system both the CNS and the PNS may be affected by said force. We will now compendiously delineate the science of the nervous system and some of the methods which can be effective in accomplishing the objective of attacking it.

THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:

As previously stated the CNS is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord. The CNS can be considered analogous to the central processing unit of the human being. It is the CNS which governs all other physiological  functions of the human organism, therefore it is indirectly affected by, as well as effects all of the other six systems. These two portions of the anatomy serve to regulate functions of the human organism both voluntary and autonomous.

Because the CNS is indirectly responsible for processing all stimuli, as well as relaying information to the rest of the organism, it can be said that any introduction of bodily Force to the human being effects the CNS. While this is true, we shall examine the more direct manifestations of attacks on the Nervous System. We shall commence with the most obvious, dramatic and well-known of the Nervous System attacks, the much dreaded knockout.

THE KNOCKOUT:

Concussive bodily force delivered to the head is sometimes sufficient to either outright or cumulatively render an adversary unconscious. The so-called "knockout" blow(s) is considered by many to be the king of results when it comes to combat. Rendering an adversary unconscious effectively eliminates the threat and immediately discontinues the violent physical interaction, at least temporarily. The knockout is certainly a wise objective and advantageous outcome on the part of the combatant who causes the unconsciousness, however this phenomenon is often misunderstood, and can be a difficult endeavor.

The science of the knockout is complicated, however here we will attempt to simplify process and give the reader a better understanding of this physiological phenomenon. To begin, knockouts can be categorized generally in to separate variations:

1. The Single Strike Knockout, 

2. The Cumulative Strike Knockout

These designations are self-explanatory; the former is characterized by the subject being rendered unconscious by a single powerful strike to the head. The latter can be described as a series of concussive blows to the head which result in unconsciousness or severely diminished cognitive and physical capacities.

The physiological processes of both forms of knockouts are both mechanical as well as neurological in nature. On the mechanical front, a concussive blow is received in the area which is known as the "Coup", which accelerates and decelerates the head in a very rapid and violent manner. This rapid acceleration and deceleration causes the brain, which is suspended in Cerebrospinal Fluid, to knock against the Cranial cavity, making impact with another portion of the brain and causing injury. The area which is injured is known as the "Counter Coup". This blunt force trauma may injure the brain causing bleeding and an increase of pressure, which inhibits blood flow, causing unconsciousness. 

An alternative is neurological in nature, although the mechanical injury is the root of its cause. Here the brain experiences a "Diffused Axonal Injury" causing a disruption of the axons. This process results in a deficiency in the electrolytes which power the brain. The brain attempts to recover homeostasis, and as a power saving strategy temporarily shut down processes of Consciousness.

In a practical sense, the student of Combatives should have an understanding which portions of the head offer the most effective and efficient targets for meeting our objective of obtaining a knockout. While any blow to the head has potential to render an adversary unconscious, there are particular zones, as well as strategies, which will augment the likelihood knocking out the recipient.

In discussing optimal target zones for strikes to the head we shall commence with what we will refer to as the "U-Zone". The U-Zone is comprised of the Mandibular region of the head, which runs from the temple along the jaw to the chin and back up the other side, hence the denomination of U-Zone. The U-Zone offers superlative target for strikes as it is structured in a way that, when struck, violently causes the head to rotate or be otherwise jarred. This violent whiplash like movement often causes the brain to slam into the cranium, which can result in unconsciousness.

Another very effective, but oftentimes difficult to obtain target is the "Occipital" region of the head. Striking the back of an adversary's head, which is often referred to as a "Rabbit Punch" in Boxing, has been banned from Combat Sports for very good reason. 

Striking an adversary in the back of the head is not only an effective way to render them unconscious, but it also has a high potential causing injury to the brain stem and/or spinal cord, as well as the cervical vertebrae. Any of these injuries can potentially cause paralysis or even death. In terms of combative applications of a non-sporting nature, targeting the occipital portion of the head is advisable.

Another function of the CNS is to collect and process stimuli which is received from the PNS.

THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:

The PNS is divided into two separate systems:

1. The Somatic Nervous System, 

2. The Autonomic Nervous System.

The Autonomic Nervous System regulates involuntary functions of the organism such as the internal organ along with involuntary actions. This portion of the PNS is outside the scope of this study therefore we shall move on to the pertinent portions of the PNS which can be found in the Somatic Nervous System. 

The Somatic Nervous System is comprised of two different kind of nerves. The two varieties of nerves which make up the SNS are:

1. Afferent Nerves and,

2. Efferent Nerves. 

Afferent Nerves are those which receive sensory information from the innervated portions of the organism and send them to the CNS. 

Efferent Nerves are those which control motor function. Attacks on the human organism affect these systems in different ways and to  varying degrees. The sensation of pain, which is an inevitable result of receiving adverse physical contact, is received by the Afferent Nerves. The Efferent Nerves may also be affected in a number of ways which can result in loss of, or reduced motor functions.

Pain can be introduced with any form of strike to any portion of the anatomy. Some portions are more innervated than others and more susceptible to pain. An example of an extremely desirable target is the liver. Striking the liver introduces shock trauma to the organism which is usually sufficient to severely inhibit and adversaries ability to engage in combat. The liver is innervated primarily by the Vagus Nerve and striking the liver causes paralytic and debilitating trauma to the body much like the knockout. Unlike the knockout which effects consciousness the recipient of the liver blow experiences no decrease in cognitive function.

So much for the Nervous System, we shall now discuss the next system which can be compromised by the introduction of bodily force.

THE SENSORY SYSTEM:

As previously elucidated the Central Nervous System is responsible for receiving and processing and interpreting all sensory information. While this is an immutable truth, here we shall examine the five senses which facilitate the human beings interactions with the world. 

These five senses are:

1. Iconic (Visual)

2. Echoic (Auditory)

3. Tactile (Touch)

4. Olfactory (Smell)

5. Gustatory (Taste)

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