the central nervous system Flashcards
what is the NS?
a complex network of nerve cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. helps communicate with rest of the body.
what is the NS made up of?
the brain and spinal cord?
what does the NS do?
receives info from senses and controls the body’s responses.
what are the two main functions of the NS?
control behaviour and regulate body’s physiological responses
how does the NS perform its functions?
the brain must be able to receive receive info from sensory receptors and send messages to muscles and glands which is done by the spinal cord.
define spinal cord?
a collection of nerve cells that are attached to the brain and run the length of the spinal column.
what is the main function of the spinal cord?
to relay info from the brain to other parts of the body
what does the function of the spinal cord allow the brain to do?
allows the brain to monitor and regulate bodily processes
what happens if the spinal cord is damaged?
brain will stop functioning
what is the brain responsible for?
coordinating sensation, intellectual and nervous activity
name the four main areas the brain is divided by
cerebrum, cerebellum, diencaphalon and brain stem
name the largest part of the brain
the cerebrum
what are the two halves of the cerebrum called?
cerebral hemispheres
what do the two halves communicate through?
the corpus collosum
what is the cerebellum involved in?
controlling a persons motor skills and balance
what happens if the cerebellum becomes damaged?
speech issues and epilepsy
what two structures lay in the diencephalon?
thalamus and the hypothalamus
what does the thalamus act as?
a relay station for nerve impulses coming from the senses guiding them to the right part of the brain to be processed
name two functions of the hypothalamus
to regulate body temp and acts as a link between ES and NS.
what does the hypothalamus control?
the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
what is the brain stem responsible for?
regulating automatic functions that are essential for life.
what travels through the brain stem?
motor and sensory neurons
