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CENTRAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM

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 KEY CONCEPTS

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PM
The nervous system consists of
NEURONS which communicate
information and GLIA which
support and protect the neurons
in various ways.
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 Brain
CNS
Afferent
Spinal Cord
Nervous
System
Efferent
Somatic NS

PNS Sympathetic
Afferent
Autonomic
NS

Efferent Parasympathetic
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 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

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A. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM,
consisting of the brain and spinal cord
which are responsible for integration.
B. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
which transmits sensory input and
executes central commands.
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 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
PROTECTION

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The central nervous system is
PROTECTED by the skull, meninges,
and fluid filled cavities containing
cerebrospinal fluid.
This fluid originates in the ventricular
system of the brain.

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 ORGANIZATION OF THE BRAIN

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The brain is highly organized with regard
to function.
Specific areas of the cerebrum are involved
with processing sensory information and
motor output.

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 ORGANIZATION OF THE BRAIN

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Many aspects of the cerebral cortex are mapped
for function in a precise manner.
Other parts of the cerebrum modulate motor output
from the cerebral cortex while others, such as the
limbic system, are involved in mediation of
behavior and memory.

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 ORGANIZATION OF THE BRAIN

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Integration of sensory input and motor output occurs in
the brain stem as well.
For example, the midbrain integrates auditory input and
motor responses in the eye.
The brain stem also contains specific pathways which
move information from the spinal up to the brain and
other descending pathways from the brain.

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 THE CEREBELLUM

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Although THE CEREBELLUM does not initiate motor
commands, it is involved in modifying motor
commands which arise from the motor cortices of the
cerebrum.

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 THE SPINAL CORD

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THE SPINAL CORD also consists of specific ascending
and descending nerve pathways which communicate
information between the body and the brain.
This structure is also involved in reflexes which are simple
behaviors, such as the withdrawal reflex.

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 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

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Some functions of the Nervous System
a. Regulation of physiology
b. Sensory input and motor output
c. Emotions, memory, reasoning,
perceptions, etc.

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 ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM

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I. Central Nervous System (CNS)
II. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
a. Afferents, interneurons, and efferents.

Tissue Types in the Nervous System

1. Neurons--communication of information via action
potentials
2. Glia--nutrition, support, insulation, phagocytosis,
CSF production, and neural development
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 PROTECTION AND NOURISHMENT OF
THE CNS

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CNS is well-protected from internal/external change
1. Blood brain barrier (BBB)--protection from toxins,
etc.
2. Skull and vertebrae--protection from physical
insults
3. Meninges--nourishment from blood and protection
4. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
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 FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE
BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD

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The CNS regulates physiology and is responsible for
behavior.

General brain organization. The major division are:

the forebrain,
midbrain, and
hindbrain
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THE BRAIN: FORM AND FUNCTION

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I-CEREBRUM
Spatial relationships reflect functional interaction, e.g.:
a) Broca's area is projects to the premotor cortex
b) Wernicke's area receives sensory input from visual
and auditory cortices as well as other brain areas

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 The Brain: Form and Function
II- DIENCEPHALON
(THALAMUS AND HYPOTHALAMUS)
A. Thalamus is a relay point (ascending paths)
B. Hypothalamus is important in homeostasis,
reproduction, and various behaviors

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 The Brain: Form and Function
III-CEREBELLUM
Functional organization
1)Vestibulocerebellum (important in balance and eye/ head
movements)
2) Spinocerebellum (adjustment of voluntary behaviors, such as
walking)
3) Cerebrocerebellum (voluntary behavior; assists in planned
movements via the premotor cortex; behaviors that work or don't
work)

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 The Brain: Form and Function
IV-BRAINSTEM (MIDBRAIN, PONS, AND
MEDULLA OBLONGATA)
a. Site of Reticular Activating System (RAS) 1) Affects
state of arousal (sleep-wake cycle, hibernation cycle).
b. Midbrain acts as a relay station, as a point of
integration for sensory input (=tectum), and in
perception of pain .

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 The Brain: Form and Function
c. Pons and Medulla -- relay station; site of regulatory
centers
d. Cranial nerves *Convey sensory inputs to and motor
outputs from the brain

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 General organization:
Spinal Cord

Spinal cord is also involved in various reflexes

1) Example 1: Withdrawal reflex .
2) Example 2: Crossed-extensor reflex .
3) Example 3: Micturition reflex involves control from higher
centers

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