AOS2: The Brain and Nervous System in Behavior and Mental Processes

Medulla: vital functions, breathing, and heart rate; Pons: movement, breathing, sleeping, and waking; Cerebellum: balance and muscle control

The midbrain connects the brain stem and brain, and the Reticular Formation screens information to prevent overload, facilitating consciousness, arousal, and muscle tension

Thalamus: processes sensory information and sends it to relevant parts of the brain; Hypothalamus: regulates emotions and maintains internal environment (hunger, thirst, sleep)

Left hemisphere: movement on the right side, mathematical and analytical skills, verbal skills, and sequential thinking; Right hemisphere: controls movement on the left side, creativity, visual-spatial skills, and intuition

Primary motor cortex: voluntary movement and fine motor movements; Broca's Area: production of clear fluid speech; Association Areas: complex mental functioning and regulation of personality and emotional behavior

The two main components of the nervous system are the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for integrating and processing information. The PNS, comprising the senses, autonomic nervous system, and somatic nervous system, is responsible for transmitting and receiving information from the environment.

The three main divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System are the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), Somatic Nervous System (SNS), and Sensory Neurons. The ANS is responsible for involuntary actions, such as regulating heart rate and digestion, and has two sub-divisions: the Parasympathetic Nervous System, which promotes relaxation, and the Sympathetic Nervous System, which stimulates arousal. The SNS is responsible for voluntary actions, and Sensory Neurons transmit information from the environment to the CNS.

The four main functions of the brain are to regulate, monitor, process, and guide the activity of other parts of the nervous system. The brain also regulates vital body functions, such as breathing and heart rate, receives and coordinates information from the senses, and is responsible for planning, thinking, and learning.

The brain weighs approximately 1.5kg, has a consistency similar to firm jelly, and is covered in a strong, plastic-like membrane. The brain is also surrounded by a fluid-filled gap, which cushions it from knocks and provides additional protection.

The brain's regulation of vital body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion, is essential for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring overall health and well-being. Disruptions to these functions can lead to various health problems and disorders.