neuroscience 2- models of the human mind Flashcards
comparative neuro anatomy
the process of comparing brain structures across species. many advances in behavioral sciences came from animal research.
size doesn’t matter- an animal’s intelligence is NOT proportional to their brain
neurons do matter- the more neurons the greater no. of connection between neurons and the greater complexity of function that the brain can support.
CNS
- contains the brain and the spinal cord
brain= encased within the skull
spinal cord= sits within the vertebrae allowing protection and flexibility
peripheral Nervous system
refers to a network of nerves that extend out from the CNS throughout the body
PNS sends messages from the brain to control muscle movement
pns also recieves sensory information about body position, pain,
somatic nervous system
- subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and recieves sensory information from the sensory organs and controls movement of skeletal muscle.
- also includes spinal nerves (sensory and motor pathwats) that extend through vertebrae
autonomic nervous system
ANS is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system. includes smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands. It mediates non-voulantary functions of the nervous system.
- consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system which regulates important bodily functions and response through opposing influences throughout the body.
parasympathetic nervous system
dominates when the body is in ‘rest and digest’ mode
sympathetic nervous system
dominates when the body is in fight or flight mode.
Enteric Nervous system
the ENS is part of the peripheral nervous system. contains 100 million neurons and is often termed the ‘second brain’
- has its own reflexes and senses and can act independently or brain.
- plays a major role in emotions and stress ENS does not just help digestion. 90% of connections between the brain and gut go from the gut to the brain.
