Central Nervous System Lecture 4: Chapter 7
Brain Functions Functions: controls our body, receives information, analyzes information, and stores information (our memories).
Structure of the Brain 4 main parts Cerebral hemispheres Cerebellum Brain stem Diencephalon Diencephalon
Cerebrum (Cerebral Hemispheres) Made up of 4 lobes Frontal Temporal Occipital parietal Split into 2 hemispheres Right left
Frontal Lobe Superior and anterior Contains primary motor area that activates skeletal muscles Contains Broca’s area Specialized area that articulates speech
Temporal Lobe Lateral Contains Auditory area Receives and interprets sensory information from the ears
Occipital Lobe Posterior Contains Visual area Receives and interprets sensory information from the eyes
Parietal Lobe Superior and posterior Contains Somatic Sensory area Produces sensations such as pain, cold, touch and pressure
Right Hemisphere Left Hemisphere Longitudinal fissure Corpus callosum controls the left side of the body Left Hemisphere controls the right side of the body Longitudinal fissure Divides two hemispheres Corpus callosum connects cerebral hemispheres for communication
Location of Diencephalon Interbrain, on top of brain stem Enclosed by cerebral hemispheres Structures of Diencephalon Thalamus Hypothalamus Epithalamus
Thalamus Relay station for sensory impulses going to sensory cortex in parietal lobe helps recognize if sensation we are about to have will be pleasant or not
Hypothalamus ANS center Regulates body temperature, water balance, and metabolism Part of limbic system- controls emotions and drives
Brain Stem Pathway for ascending and descending tracts Control vital activities and organs of body 3 structures of brain stem Medulla oblongata Pons Midbrain
Medulla oblongata Inferior portion of brain stem connects to spinal cord Controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, swallowing and vomiting
Pons Middle structure of brain stem Involved in control of breathing
Midbrain Superior portion of brain stem Contains reflex centers for vision and hearing
Cerebellum Posterior and inferior Controls balance, equilibrium and coordination
Spinal cord Location: Function: Extends from brain stem to lumbar region just below ribs Enclosed within vertebral column Function: 2 way conduction pathway to brain Major reflex center