The Nervous System

DIVISIONS OF THE NERVOUS

SYSTEM
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
- the bodys life control and decision system
- COMPOSED OF THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS)

- the sensory (input) motor (output) system
- Actsas intermediary between the CNS and
environment
-2 main divisions Somatic NS and Autonomic
 The Meninges
- Serves as protective
layer around the
brain; has three
layers

Space between the arachnoid

and pia mater; filled with
cerebrospinal fluid which helps
cushion the brain (produced
by the choroid plexuses)
This is the extension
of the brain,
cylindrical in form,
that runs at the
back and distributes
motor neurons and
returns internal and
external sensory
info to the brain.
There are 31 pairs
of spinal nerves
along the entire
length.
The Hindbrain
Connects the
hemispheres of the
cerebellum; has
nerve fibers that
transmit impulses
to and from the
brain
Oldest part of
the brainstem;
has many vital
life functions

Located at the
back and above the
medulla; controls
body balance
The Midbrain
Connects
nerve tracts
that connect
the cerebrum
with the brain
stem and the
spinal cord

Visual and
auditory
neurons
A large egg
shaped
structure that
acts as a relay
station
between the
cerebral cortex
and the rest of
the brain.
A structure
located below the
thalamus and is
responsible for a
wide range of
behaviors such
as feeding,
emotions,
aggression and
body rhythms.
Basal Ganglia
Consists of
the caudate
nucleus,
putamen and
globus
pallidus

Has several
functions but
its main
function
seems to be in
movement
Main area
involved with
emotions

Area for self

preservation;
when
triggered,
gives rise to
fear and
anxiety
leading to
alertness
Involved with
memory; also
with
formation of
long term
memory
Long, arching
pathway that
connects the
hippocampus
with the
mammillary
body
The Cerebral
Cortex
Language Spatial and Perceptual
major thinking major function
function
Serves as
communicati
on between
the left and
right
hemispheres
of the
cerebral
cortex