The Nervous System

• What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

  The part of the Nervous System that includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and relaying information.
• How many parts are in the CNS?

  Two: the brain and the spinal cord.
• What is the primary function of the brain?

  It serves as the control center of the nervous system.
• Into how many parts is the brain split up?

  Four.
• What are the parts of the brain?

  • Cerebrum
  • Cerebellum
  • Diencephalon
  • Brain stem
• What is the cerebrum?

  The largest part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary movement.
• Into how many parts is the cerebrum split?

  Four.
• How is the cerebrum divided?

  • Frontal lobe
  • Occipital lobe
  • Parietal lobe
  • Temporal lobe
• What is the frontal lobe involved with?

  The thought and production of speech.
• What is the occipital lobe in charge of?

  Involves the processing of visual images.
• What is the parietal lobe in charge of?

  Processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.
• What is the temporal lobe in charge of?

  Involved with hearing and memory.
• How is the cerebrum split?

  It is split down the middle into two halves called cerebral hemispheres.
• What is the function of the corpus callosum?

  It connects the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.
• What role does the cerebellum play in the brain?

  Responsible for motor skills, coordination, and balance.
• Where is the cerebellum located?

  It sits beneath the back of the cerebrum.
• What happens if there is an abnormality in the cerebellum?

  Speech and motor problems and epilepsy may occur.
• What is the diencephalon?

  It has the hypothalamus and the thalamus.
• Where is the diencephalon located?

  Beneath the cerebrum and on the top of the brain stem.
• What is the thalamus?

  It acts as a relay station for nerve impulses coming from the senses, routing them to the appropriate part of the brain for processing.
• What is the hypothalamus?

  It regulates body temperature, thirst, and hunger, and acts like a link to the endocrine and nervous system.
• What functions does the brain stem regulate?


  It regulates all automatic functions essential to life, such as breathing.
• What neurons travel through the brain stem?

  Sensory and motor neurons.
• What is the role of the spine in the CNS?

  It connects the brain to other parts of the body through spinal nerves, relaying information between them.
• What would happen if the spinal cord was severed?

  The area supplied by spinal nerves below the damaged site will be cut off from the brain and will stop functioning.
• What are the two main divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

  Somatic and autonomic nervous system.
• What does the somatic nervous system include?

  Includes 12 cranial and 31 spinal nerves, allowing voluntary control of body movement.
• What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System?

  It controls subconscious functions such as breathing and heart rate.
• What are the two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?

  The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
• What does the sympathetic nervous system prepare the body for?

  Prepares the body for emergencies (fight or flight), by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
• Why do heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate rise during an emergency?

  The breathing rate increases the amount of oxygen coming in, and the heart rate increases so the heart can pump more blood around the body.
• Why does digestion slow down when the sympathetic nervous system is active?

  So it can conserve and use the energy for the other organs.
• What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  To relax the body after the emergency, by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure, and digestion recommences.