The Nervous System Electrical Communication

Main Function: The Nervous System This communication system controls and coordinates functions throughout the body and responds to internal and external stimuli. Our nervous system allows us to feel pain.

Consists of: brain, spinal cord, nerves and sense organs The Nervous System Consists of: brain, spinal cord, nerves and sense organs Sense Organs: Eyes, Skin, Ears, Nose & Tongue

The Nerve A nerve is an organ containing a bundle of nerve cells called neurons. Neurons carry electrical messages called impulses throughout the body. Picture shows hundreds of severed neuron axons

Impulse in a Neuron

Neurotransmitters Synapse (gap) Because neurons never touch, chemical signalers called neurotransmitters must travel through the space called synapse between two neurons. Neurotransmitters (pink spheres) The message is transferred when RECEPTORS receive neurotrans-mitters. Synapse (gap)

Parts of a Neuron Cell body: contains nucleus & most of the cytoplasm Dendrites: projections that bring impulses into the neuron to the cell body. Axon: long projection that carries impulses away from cell body 1 3 2

Sensory Neuron Interneuron Motor Neuron Types of Neurons Synapse Muscle Contracts Motor Neuron Sensory Neuron

Where can the largest cells in the world be found? Sensory Neuron carry impulses from sense organs to spinal cord & brain Fun Fact: Where can the largest cells in the world be found? The giraffe’s sensory and motor neurons! Some must bring impulses from the bottom of their legs to their spinal cord several meters away!!

Interneuron processes impulses in brain and spinal cord - connect sensory and motor neurons

Motor Neurons carry impulses from the brain & spinal cord to muscles & glands Axon End Axons branching out to muscle fibers

Communication with Neurons Nerves work together with muscles for movement. An impulse begins when one neuron is stimulated by another neuron or by the sense organs. The impulse travels down the axons of Sensory neurons to the brain cells called Interneurons. The brain will then send an impulse through motor neurons to the necessary muscle or organs, telling it to contract.

Reflexes protect the body before the brain knows what is going on. A reflex is an involuntary response that is processed in the spinal cord not the brain. Reflexes protect the body before the brain knows what is going on. Reflex Arc

Central Nervous System Consists of: Brain and Spinal Cord brain Spinal Cord Cerebellum Cerebrum Medulla Oblongata

Cerebrum Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata (Brain Stem) Spinal Cord Central Nervous System Cerebrum Voluntary or conscious activities of the body-learning, judgment Cerebellum Coordinates and balances the actions of the muscles Medulla Oblongata (Brain Stem) Controls involuntary actions like blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and swallowing Spinal Cord The main communications link between the brain and the rest of the body

Consists of: Sensory division and Motor division Peripheral Nervous System Consists of: Sensory division and Motor division -includes all sensory neurons, motor neurons, and sense organs

The Human Brain Master Watermark Image: http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

Lobes, the Cerebral Cortex, and Cortical Regions of the Brain Part I: The Cerebrum Lobes, the Cerebral Cortex, and Cortical Regions of the Brain

Objectives: Students will be able to describe the general structure of the Cerebrum and Cerebral Cortex. Students will be able to identify the Cerebrum, the Lobes of the Brain, the Cerebral Cortex, and its major regions/divisions. Students will be able to describe the primary functions of the Lobes and the Cortical Regions of the Brain.

Cerebrum -The largest division of the brain Cerebrum -The largest division of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, each of which is divided into four lobes. Cerebrum Cerebellum http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

Cerebral Cortex - The outermost layer of gray matter making up the superficial aspect of the cerebrum. Cerebral Cortex http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-6.tif.jpg

Gyri – Elevated ridges “winding” around the brain. Cerebral Features: Gyri – Elevated ridges “winding” around the brain. Sulci – Small grooves dividing the gyri Central Sulcus – Divides the Frontal Lobe from the Parietal Lobe Fissures – Deep grooves, generally dividing large regions/lobes of the brain Longitudinal Fissure – Divides the two Cerebral Hemispheres Transverse Fissure – Separates the Cerebrum from the Cerebellum Sylvian/Lateral Fissure – Divides the Temporal Lobe from the Frontal and Parietal Lobes

Gyri (ridge) Sulci (groove) Fissure (deep groove) http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

Specific Sulci/Fissures: Central Sulcus Longitudinal Fissure Sylvian/Lateral Fissure Transverse Fissure http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg http://www.dalbsoutss.eq.edu.au/Sheepbrains_Me/human_brain.gif

Lobes of the Brain (4) Frontal Parietal Occipital Temporal http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg * Note: Occasionally, the Insula is considered the fifth lobe. It is located deep to the Temporal Lobe.

Lobes of the Brain - Frontal The Frontal Lobe of the brain is located deep to the Frontal Bone of the skull. It plays an integral role in the following functions/actions: - Memory Formation - Emotions - Decision Making/Reasoning - Personality (Investigation: Phineas Gage) Investigation (Phineas Gage) Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Frontal Lobe - Cortical Regions Primary Motor Cortex (Precentral Gyrus) – Cortical site involved with controlling movements of the body. Broca’s Area – Controls facial neurons, speech, and language comprehension. Located on Left Frontal Lobe. Broca’s Aphasia – Results in the ability to comprehend speech, but the decreased motor ability (or inability) to speak and form words. Orbitofrontal Cortex – Site of Frontal Lobotomies * Possible Side Effects: - Epilepsy - Poor Emotional Responses - Perseveration (Uncontrolled, repetitive actions, gestures, or words) * Desired Effects: - Diminished Rage - Decreased Aggression - Poor Emotional Responses Olfactory Bulb - Cranial Nerve I, Responsible for sensation of Smell

Investigation (Phineas Gage) Primary Motor Cortex/ Precentral Gyrus Broca’s Area Orbitofrontal Cortex Olfactory Bulb Regions Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Lobes of the Brain - Parietal Lobe The Parietal Lobe of the brain is located deep to the Parietal Bone of the skull. It plays a major role in the following functions/actions: - Senses and integrates sensation(s) Spatial awareness and perception (Proprioception - Awareness of body/ body parts in space and in relation to each other) Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Parietal Lobe - Cortical Regions Primary Somatosensory Cortex (Postcentral Gyrus) – Site involved with processing of tactile and proprioceptive information. Somatosensory Association Cortex - Assists with the integration and interpretation of sensations relative to body position and orientation in space. May assist with visuo-motor coordination. Primary Gustatory Cortex – Primary site involved with the interpretation of the sensation of Taste.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex/ Postcentral Gyrus Somatosensory Association Cortex Primary Gustatory Cortex Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg Regions

Lobes of the Brain – Occipital Lobe The Occipital Lobe of the Brain is located deep to the Occipital Bone of the Skull. Its primary function is the processing, integration, interpretation, etc. of VISION and visual stimuli. Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Occipital Lobe – Cortical Regions Primary Visual Cortex – This is the primary area of the brain responsible for sight -recognition of size, color, light, motion, dimensions, etc. Visual Association Area – Interprets information acquired through the primary visual cortex.

Visual Association Area Primary Visual Cortex Visual Association Area Regions Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Lobes of the Brain – Temporal Lobe The Temporal Lobes are located on the sides of the brain, deep to the Temporal Bones of the skull. They play an integral role in the following functions: Hearing Organization/Comprehension of language Information Retrieval (Memory and Memory Formation) Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Temporal Lobe – Cortical Regions Primary Auditory Cortex – Responsible for hearing Primary Olfactory Cortex – Interprets the sense of smell once it reaches the cortex via the olfactory bulbs. (Not visible on the superficial cortex) Wernicke’s Area – Language comprehension. Located on the Left Temporal Lobe. - Wernicke’s Aphasia – Language comprehension is inhibited. Words and sentences are not clearly understood, and sentence formation may be inhibited or non-sensical.

Primary Auditory Cortex Wernike’s Area Primary Olfactory Cortex (Deep) Conducted from Olfactory Bulb Regions Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Arcuate Fasciculus - A white matter tract that connects Broca’s Area and Wernicke’s Area through the Temporal, Parietal and Frontal Lobes. Allows for coordinated, comprehensible speech. Damage may result in: - Conduction Aphasia - Where auditory comprehension and speech articulation are preserved, but people find it difficult to repeat heard speech. Arcuate Fasciculus Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Click the Region to see its Name Korbinian Broadmann - Learn about the man who divided the Cerebral Cortex into 52 distinct regions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korbinian_Brodmann Modified from: http://www.bioon.com/book/biology/whole/image/1/1-8.tif.jpg

Lobes and Structures of the Brain A. G. B. http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

Lobes and Structures of the Brain A. Central Sulcus B. Frontal Lobe C. Sylvian/Lateral Fissure A. (groove) G. D. Temporal Lobe B. F. E. Transverse Fissure F. Occipital Lobe C. (groove) G. Parietal Lobe E. D. (groove) http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

K. A. J. Cortical Regions I. B. H. G. C. D. F. E. http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

Cortical Regions B. Broca’s Area C. Orbitofrontal Cortex A. Primary Motor Cortex/ Precentral Gyrus B. Broca’s Area C. Orbitofrontal Cortex Cortical Regions D. Primary Olfactory Cortex (Deep) E. Primary Auditory Cortex K. A. J. F. Wernike’s Area I. G. Primary Visual Cortex B. H. Visual Association Area H. G. I. Primary Gustatory Cortex J. Somatosensory Association Cortex C. K. Primary Somatosensory Cortex/ Postcentral Gyrus D. E. F. http://williamcalvin.com/BrainForAllSeasons/img/bonoboLH-humanLH-viaTWD.gif

Copyright: Gary Larson Q: Assuming this comical situation was factually accurate, what Cortical Region of the brain would these doctors be stimulating?

A: Primary Motor Cortex * This graphic representation of the regions of the Primary Motor Cortex and Primary Sensory Cortex is one example of a HOMUNCULUS: Homunculus

* Note: Homunculus literally means “little person,” and may refer to one whose body shape is governed by the cortical area devoted to that body region. Q: What do you notice about the proportions depicted in the aforementioned homunculus? A: They are not depicted in the same scale representative of the human body. Q: What is meant by depicting these body parts in such outrageous proportions? A: These outrageous proportions depict the cortical area devoted to each structure. - Ex: Your hands require many intricate movements and sensations to function properly. This requires a great deal of cortical surface area to control these detailed actions. Your back is quite the opposite, requiring limited cortical area to carry out its actions and functions, or detect sensation. Back-Hom.

Further Investigation Phineas Gage: Phineas Gage was a railroad worker in the 19th century living in Cavendish, Vermont. One of his jobs was to set off explosive charges in large rock in order to break them into smaller pieces. On one of these instances, the detonation occurred prior to his expectations, resulting in a 42 inch long, 1.2 inch wide, metal rod to be blown right up through his skull and out the top. The rod entered his skull below his left cheek bone and exited after passing through the anterior frontal lobe of his brain. Frontal

Remarkably, Gage never lost consciousness, or quickly regained it (there is still some debate), suffered little to no pain, and was awake and alert when he reached a doctor approximately 45 minutes later. He had a normal pulse and normal vision, and following a short period of rest, returned to work several days later. However, he was not unaffected by this accident. http://www.sruweb.com/~walsh/gage5.jpg Learn more about Phineas Gage: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Gage Frontal

Q: Recalling what you have just learned regarding the frontal lobe, what possible problems or abnormalities may Gage have presented with subsequent to this type of injury (remember the precise location of the rod through his brain)? A: Gage’s personality, reasoning, and capacity to understand and follow social norms had been diminished or destroyed. He illustrated little to no interest in hobbies or other involvements that at one time he cared for greatly. ‘After the accident, Gage became a nasty, vulgar, irresponsible vagrant. His former employer, who regarded him as "the most efficient and capable foreman in their employ previous to his injury," refused to rehire him because he was so different.’ Q: It is suggested that Gage’s injury inspired the development of what at one time was a widely used medical procedure. What might this procedure be, and how does it relate to Gage’s injury? A: The frontal lobotomy. This has been used with the intention to diminish aggression and rage in mental patients, but generally results in drastic personality changes, and an inability to relate socially. This procedure is largely frowned upon today, with the development of neurological drugs as treatments. Frontal

The Endocrine System Chemical Communication Main Function: It releases hormones into the blood to signal other cells to behave in certain ways. It is a slow but widespread form of communication. Chemical Communication

The Endocrine System Consists of: Endocrine glands Release hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals released in one part of the body that travel through the bloodstream and affect the activities of cells in other parts of the body.

Pituitary Gland Function: It secretes nine hormones that directly regulate many body functions and controls functions of other glands. Disorders: To much growth hormones (GH) in early childhood can result in a condition called gigantism. To little GH can result in Pituitary Dwarfism. Robert Wadlow

Thyroid Gland Function: plays a major role in regulation the body’s metabolism. Disorders: If the Thyroid Gland produces to much Thyroxin, it can cause a condition known as Hyperthyroidism. If to little thyroxin produces it is called Hypothyroidism.

Pancreas Function: The Insulin and Glycogen in the Pancreas help to keep the level of glucose in the blood stable. Disorders: When the Pancreas fails to produce or properly use Insulin, it can cause a condition known as Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenal Gland Functions: -The adrenal glands release Adrenaline in the body that helps prepare for and deal with stress. -Also regulates kidney function.

Ovaries Functions: Pair of reproductive organs found in women that produce eggs. Also secrete estrogen and progesterone, which control ovulation and menstruation.

Testes Functions: Pair of reproductive glands that produces sperm. Also secrete Testosterone to give the body its masculine characteristics.

Interaction of Glands The hypothalamus is located in the brain and controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. It is an important link between the endocrine and nervous systems. http://www.biocfarm.unibo.it/aunsnc/images/3D%20Objects/Hypothalamus.gif