Section 11.2 - The Central Nervous System Flashcards
Grey Matter
Unmyelinated axons, contains mostly cell bodies, dendrites. Found around outside of the brain, and in the inside of spinal cord.
- Can’t regenerate.
White Matter
Contains myelinated axons. Forms inner area of some of the brain, and the outer area of the spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Protects the spinal cord and the brain
- transports hormones, white blood cells, and nutrients across the blood-brain barrier.
- shock absorber for the brain
Regions of the brain
The hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain.
Meninges
Three layers of tough, elastic tissue within the skull and spinal column,
Enclose the brain and spinal cord.
What does the hindbrain include?
Cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons.
Where is the Midbrain located?
- found above pons in the brain stem
Cerebellum
- walnut shaped structure
- coordinates limb movements, posture, and balance.
Specifically:
- involved in unconscious coordination of posture, reflexes, and body movements.
- voluntary motor skills.
- receives info from preprioreceptors
Medulla oblongata
- sits at base of brainstem, connects brain with spinal cord.
- controls basic body functions.
Specifically:
automatic, involuntary responses, such breathing, heart rate, digestion, constriction/dilation of blood vessels, swallowing, coughing, etc
Pons
- found above and in front of the medulla oblongata
- serves as a relay centre for information movies between the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the medulla.
Function of midbrain
Relays visual and auditory info between areas of hindbrain and forebrain.
Eye movement
Control of skeletal muscles
What does the Forebrain include?
Thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebrum
Thalamus
Sits at base of the forebrain.
- directs incoming sensory information
Hypothalamus
- lies below thalamus
- regulates body’s internal environment (maintain homeostasis) and aspects of behaviour.
Brain
Made up of the Cerebrum, the Cerebellum, and the Brain Stem.