The central nervous system and human behaviour (3) Flashcards
Define central nervous system
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.
The spinal cord
The spinal cord is a tube like extension containing the brain stem and is responsible for reflex actions
The brain
The brain is the source of conscious awareness. It is in control of the body and is made up of the two hemispheres the corpus callosum and the cerebrum.
Name the subcortical structures
thalamus hypothalamus limbic system cerebellum corpus callosum
What is the thalamus
The Thalamus is the brains relay station that receives information for the senses such as sight and hearing. It also plays a part in sleep and consciousness
What is the hypothalamus
The structure responsible for motivation for hunger and sex along with response to stress such as aggression
What is the limbic system
The limbic system plays a large role in emotion control and response
What is the cerebellum
The cerebellum coordinates posture balance and movement
What is the corpus callosum
Part of the brain that plays a role in communications between the two hemispheres in the brain
What is the cerebral cortex
The cerebral cortex is the largest site of neural integration in the central nervous system. It plays a key role in attention, perception, awareness, thought, memory, language, and consciousness.
What are the frontal lobes
The frountal lobe makes up around 40% of the cerebral cortex and are linked to planning and problem solving
What are the parietal lobes?
The parietal lobe is responsible to manage sensation, handwriting, and body position. It interprets sensory information, such as temperature and touch, and is responsible for processing sensory information from various parts of the body
What is the temporal lobe?
The temporal lobe is associated with understanding and speech
What is an occipital lobe
The rearmost lobe in each cerebral hemisphere of the brain.
