The BRAIN and SPINAL CORD Nervous System The BRAIN and SPINAL CORD

Remember! The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of which two major structures?? BRAIN SPINAL CORD

Spinal cord Begins at base of skull and continues down to 2nd lumbar vertebra White and soft Found within vertebral column Surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid

Functions of Spinal Cord Reflex Center Conduction pathway to and from the brain

Brain 3lb mass of soft, nervous tissue Contains 100 billion neurons Covered by tissue layers known as MENINGES Protected by layer of cerebrospinal fluid The folds in the brain are known as a GYRUS

4 Major Parts of brain Diencephalon Cerebrum Cerebellum Brain Stem

DIencephalon Composed of Thalamus and Hypothalamus Controls: Appetites Emotions Sleep

Cerebrum Largest part of brain Divided into RIGHT and LEFT hemispheres Responsible for: Conscious thought and reasoning Memory Will power

cerebellum 2 Hemispheres Lower back part of brain Controls: Balance Coordination of muscle movements

Brain stem Composed of PONS, MEDULLA OBLONGATA, and MIDBRAIN Pons – controls breathing Medulla oblongata – Heart rate and Blood Pressure Midbrain – Vision and hearing