1. KA 1: Divisions of the nervous system and parts of the brain
(a) CNS
Central Nervous System
(f) Localisation of brain functions
The Nervous System
(b) PNS
Peripheral Nervous System
(e) Cerebral Cortex
(c) Medulla and Cerebellum
(d) Limbic System

2. By the end of this section you will be able to …..
State 2 components of the central core
State the function of these structures
State the function of the limbic system
State 3 functions of the cerebral cortex
Identify these areas in a diagram

3. The Brain Central Core Cerebral cortex Limbic system
The brain is a complex organ composed of 3 interconnected layers:
The central core
The limbic system
The cerebral cortex (outer layer of cerebrum)
Central Core

4. The Central Core Consists of the:
Medulla: Regulates basic life processes e.g. breathing rate, heart rate, arousal and sleep.
Cerebellum: Controls balance, posture and movement.
Medulla
Cerebellum
Central Core

5. The Limbic system Consists of the hypothalamus
pituitary gland (releases hormones)
Think back to the reproductive system
Pituitary gland
Hypothalamus
Limbic System

6. The Limbic system Limbic System
The limbic system is involved in a variety of functions:
Processing information needed for long-term memories.
Regulating emotional states (e.g. anger, fear and aggression)
Influencing biological motivation ( e.g. hunger, thirst and sexual behaviour)
Pituitary gland
Hypothalamus
Limbic System

7. The Brain Central Core Cerebral cortex Limbic system
The brain is a complex organ composed of 3 interconnected layers:
The central core
The limbic system
The cerebral cortex (outer layer of cerebrum)
Central Core

8. The Cerebral Cortex
The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum
It is the centre for conscious thought; it also recalls memories and alters behaviour in light of experience.

9. The Cerebral Cortex The functions of the cerebral cortex include:
Receiving sensory information
Coordinating voluntary movement
Making decisions in the light of experience.