The Central Nervous System Flashcards
What does the CNS include?
The brain and spinal cord.
What are FOUR functions of the CNS?
Stores memories, shapes our personality and awareness, adapts to changes in the environment and dictates how we think.
How much does the brain weigh?
1.3 kilos.
What is the role of the brain?
Communication between neurons.
What are the regions of the CNS?
The forebrain, brain stem, and spinal cord.
What is the role/function of the forebrain in the CNS?
Responsible for decision making and intellectual abilities.
What is the forebrain divided into?
Cortical areas (the outermost part of the brain) and subcortical areas (the innermost part of the brain).
What is the role/function of the cerebral cortex in the forebrain?
Responsible for higher brain functions such as talking and thinking.
What is the cerebral cortex split into?
The left and right cerebral hemispheres which are joined by the corpus callosum.
What is the cerebral cortex divided into?
the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.
Where is the frontal lobe and what is it responsible for?
The frontal lobe is posterior to the forehead and is responsible for motor function, language and memory.
What comprises the frontal lobe?
The motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, and Broca’s Area.
What is the function of the motor cortex?
Coordinates body movement.
What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?
Responsible for mood, personality, and self-awareness.
What is the function of Broca’s Area?
Language production.
Damage to Broca’s Area would result in…?
Difficulty speaking and words that flow clearly (Broca’s Aphasia)
Where is the parietal lobe and what does it contain?
The parietal lobe is posterior to the frontal lobe, on top of the head. It contains the somatosensory cortex.
What is the function of the somatosensory cortex?
Responding to sensory stimuli - touch, pain, temperature, and pressure. Also responsible for navigation.
Damage to the parietal lobe would result in…?
Difficulty visualizing objects and misinterpreting sides of the body. Damage depends on which hemisphere (left or right) is affected.