the mammalian nervous system Flashcards
What is the CNS? (1)
The control center of the body.
What is the PNS? (1)
Connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
What is the Somatic NS? (1)
A part of the PNS involved in voluntary control.
What is the Autonomic NS? (1)
A part of the PNS responsible for involuntary control.
What is the Sympathetic NS? (1)
Part of the autonomic nervous system involved in fight or flight responses.
What is the Parasympathetic NS? (1)
Part of the autonomic nervous system involved in rest and digest responses.
What is the cerebrum, and what are its functions? (4)
The largest part of the brain; It is divided into two halves, called the cerebral hemispheres; It has a thin, highly folded outer layer called the cerebral cortex; The cerebrum is involved in vision, hearing, learning, and thinking
What is the cerebellum, and what is its role? (4)
The cerebellum is located underneath the cerebrum and has a folded cortex;
It is important for controlling muscle coordination, posture, and balance;
It controls movement but does not initiate it;
Damage to the cerebellum causes jerky and uncoordinated movement
What is the medulla oblongata, and what does it control? (3)
The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brain, at the top of the spinal cord;
It contains regulatory centres for the autonomic nervous system;
It controls reflex activities such as breathing and heart rate
What is the hypothalamus, and what are its functions? (4)
The hypothalamus is found just beneath the middle part of the brain;
It is the main controlling region for the autonomic nervous system;
It automatically maintains body temperature and monitors blood plasma composition;
It produces hormones that control the pituitary gland and regulates complex behaviours like sleeping, feeding, and aggression
What is the role of the pituitary gland? (2)
The pituitary gland is located beneath the hypothalamus and is controlled by it;
It releases hormones that stimulate other glands (e.g., adrenal glands)
