Biological Approach

Question 1

The NS is divided in:

Answer 1

Central NS

Peripheral NS

Question 2

What is the function of the CNS?

Answer 2

The Central NS involves the brain and the spinal chord, protected by the bone and fluid that circulates it.

Question 3

What are the 2 main functions of the spinal chord?

Answer 3

1. Sending sensory information into the PNS which are relayed by the brain, and sending motor information from the brain to the PNS.

Question 4

The Brain is divided in 3 regions?

Answer 4

1. Forebrain, located towards top and front
2. Midbrain
3. Hindbrain, aka reptilian brain

Question 5

Forebrain?

Answer 5

Divided in 5:

1. Cerebrum, cognitive skills, thinking, use of language
2. Basal Ganglia, cognitive fuctions and emotions, motor learning, voluntary motor control
3. Limbic System, hippocampus (learning and memory) and amygdala (anger).
4. Thalamus, pass info to higher brain centres, wakfulness and sleep
5. Hypothalamus, control of autonomic functions, body temperature, hunger, reaction to stress.

Question 6

Midbrain?

Answer 6

Involved in visiob, hearing and control of movement.
Reticular activating system, regulates sleep, arousal, influecning heart and breathing rate.
Tectum: visual and auditory receptors
Cerebellum: balance and coordination, also in hindbrain

Question 7

Hindbrain?

Answer 7

aka reptilian brain. 3 parts:
Medulla oblongata, part of reticular activating system, control of breathing, digention, swallowing.
Pons, part of RAS, control of consciousness, relay station between different parts.
Cerebellum: balance and coordination, and overlearned skills like riding a bike are stored here.