The Nervous System

The Central Nervous System The Central Nervous System processes all of the body’s information. The two parts of the central nervous system are the brain and the spinal cord.

The Peripheral Nervous System The Peripheral Nervous System includes all of the other nerves in the body The Peripheral Nervous System is divided into two categories: – The Somatic Nervous System – The Autonomic Nervous System

The Somatic Nervous System The Somatic Nervous System connects the brain to the muscles of the body. It controls all of our voluntary muscle movements. It is connected to the motor cortex in the brain.

The Autonomic Nervous System The Autonomic Nervous System controls the automatic functions of the body and connects the brain to the heart, lungs, internal organs, glands, etc.

The Autonomic Nervous System This system is also responsible for actions associated with stress and perceived threats. The autonomic system is further broken down into two systems: – Sympathetic Nervous System – Parasympathetic Nervous System

The Sympathetic Nervous System The Sympathetic Nervous System mobilizes the body to respond to stress. It is our alert system. – Accelerates the heart, blood pressure, respiration), released adrenaline… – Conserves energy for fight by slowing down digestion, etc.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System The Parasympathetic Nervous System returns the body to a normal state after a stressful encounter.

THE BRAIN

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Electroencephalogram (EEG) Electrodes are placed on the scalp that amplify recordings of the waves of electrical activity across the brain’s outer surface (cerebral cortex).

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT Scan) A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of the brain’s structures.

Position Emission Tomography (PET Scan) A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

PET Scans and Language Development

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that allow us to see structures within the brain in great detail

Accidents Case study analysis of victims of suffer from a brain injury, resulting in variations in normal behavior IE. Phineas Gage

Scientific Frontiers – Phineas Gage

Lesions Lesioning is the removal or destruction of part of the brain.

THE BRAIN AND ITS FUNCTIONS

I. The Forebrain There are five main regions of the forebrain to study: – The Cerebral Cortex – Thalamus – Hypothalamus – Amygdala – Hippocampus

The CEREBRAL CORTEX is the intricate, wrinkled covering of the brain (FISSURES) In addition to interneurons, it contains GLIAL CELLS, which guide neural connections, provide nutrients to myelin, and mop up neurotransmitters

The Cerebral Cortex is split into two halves, or Hemispheres: – Right Hemisphere – Left Hemisphere

The two hemispheres of the brain are connected by the CORPUS CALLOSUM

Hemispheres of the Brain

Born With Only Half of a Brain

Each hemisphere of the brain has different functions. This is called hemispheric specialization.

The Brain’s Left Hemisphere Language Math Logic Analytic Thought Scientific Thought Reasoning

The Brain’s Right Hemisphere Spatial abilities Face recognition Visual imagery Music Creativity Emotional Instincts