The CNS Flashcards
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
The CNS consists of the spinal cord and brain.
What is the primary function of the brain?
Source of conscious awareness, where decision-making takes place.
What are subcortical structures?
‘Inner’ part of the brain, structures that are ‘below the cortex’.
What are the two major functions of the nervous system?
- Collects, processes and responds to information from the environment.
- Coordinates the working of organs and cells in the body.
What are the two main subsystems of the nervous system?
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
How does the central nervous system connect to the brain?
Connected to the brain via the brainstem.
What does the spinal cord control?
Controls reflex actions (e.g. pulling hand from a hot plate).
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
Connects two hemispheres below the cerebral cortex, passing signals back and forth.
What does contralateral control mean in the context of the brain?
Left hemisphere controls right side of the body, and vice versa.
What is the cerebral cortex?
Outer layer of the brain, highly developed in humans, about 3 mm thick.
What is the thalamus known for?
Brain’s relay station, receives information from senses and passes to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.
What role does the hypothalamus play?
Controls motivational behaviours (e.g. hunger, thirst, sex) and body’s stress response (fight or flight), role in homeostasis, regulation of endocrine system by pituitary gland
What is the function of the limbic system?
Related to memory/learning and regulating emotion (e.g. amygdala).
What is the cerebellum often referred to as?
‘Little brain’.
What is the primary role of the cerebellum?
To coordinate posture, balance and movement.
How much of the brain’s weight does the cerebellum represent?
Only about 10% of the brain’s entire weight.
What percentage of the brain’s neurons does the cerebellum contain?
Almost 50% of its neurons.
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is a _______ extension of the brain.
Tube-like
What is lateralisation in the context of the human brain?
Hemispheres of the human brain are almost structurally identical but have different functions.
Which hemisphere is language associated with?
Left hemisphere.
What does localisation refer to in brain function?
Certain areas are responsible for specific functions and behaviours.
Give an example of localisation in the brain.
Language functions are localised to specific areas within the left hemisphere.
