Central nervous system Flashcards
What does the nervous system consist of?
Brain, spinal cord, complex network of neurons
Can be divided into 2 parts: Central nervous system + peripheral nervous system
What is this system responsible for?
Sending, receiving, and interpreting info from all parts of the body
Monitors + coordinates internal organ function + responds to changes in external environment
Where is the spinal cord connected to the+ what is its role?
Connected to brain via brain stem, and responsible for reflex actions
Passes msgs to and from brain, linking it to peripheral nervous system
What is the brains role + what is it divided into?
Its the source of our conscious awareness + where decision making takes place
Divided into 2 near symmetrical hemispheres, connected by group of structures, main one being corpus callosum
What does the brains control of the body being contralateral mean?
Left hemisphere controls activity on right side of body, right hemisphere controls activity on left side of body
Describe the cerebral cortex:
- Outer layer of brain, highly developed, distinguishes mental functioning from animals
- 3mm thick
- Areas of inner brain divided into cortical (belonging to cortex) and subcortical (below cortex)
What is the function of the striatum + what topic area does it link to?
Controls movements + motivation
Effects of recreational drugs
What is the function of the hippocampus (limbic system) + what topic area does it link to?
STMs passed into LTMs via hippocampus
Brain damaged patients in cog, raines study
What is the function of the ventricles + what topic area does it link to?
Produces cerebrospinal fluid to cushion brain + provide nutrients
Little Albert - died from hydrocephalus at 6
What is the function of the amygdala (limbic system) + what topic area does it link to?
Emotions + aggression - Left amygdala links to reward system + both positive and negative emotions
Right links to fear and sadness
Raine’s study
What is the function of the hypothalamus (limbic system) + what topic area does it link to?
Regulates eating, drinking, + motivated behaviours
Raine’s study
What is the function of the medial temporal lobe + what topic area does it link to?
Includes hippocampus + has large role in memory
Raine + cog psych
What is the function of the cerebellum + what topic area does it link to?
Stores memory/learning of practical skills
Cog + bio psych
What is the function of the corpus callosum + what topic area does it link to?
Bridge between 2 hemispheres of brain + transmits msgs between 2 halves
Raines study
What is the function of the limbic system + what topic area does it link to?
Emotions + memories, includes hypothalamus, hippocampus, + amygdala
Bio psych - aggression
What info does the spinal cord receive from nerves on the way to brain?
From skin, joints, + muscles
Also carries nerves that control all movement
What info does the brain receive from nerves?
Info directly from ears, eyes, nose, mouth
As well as rest of body via spinal cord
How is info sent around our bodies?
Nerves in body send info via spinal cord to the brain
Brain processes info + sends msg to body via spinal cord
