Central Nervous System Overview

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
• Processes and coordinates information throughout the body.

Neurons

• Specialized cells transmitting electrical and chemical signals.
• Enable communication between body parts.

Cerebrum

• Largest brain part.
• Responsible for higher cognitive functions (thinking, memory, voluntary movement).

Cerebral Cortex

• Outer layer of the cerebrum.
• Processes sensory information, reasoning, and voluntary movements.

Prefrontal Cortex

• Associated with personality, reason, thoughts, actions, and emotions.
• Plays a role in executive functions like decision-making and impulse control.

Brainstem

• Connects cerebrum and spinal cord.
• Controls basic life functions (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure).

Cerebellum

• Located below cerebrum, at the back of the head.
• Coordinates voluntary muscle movements, balance, and some cognitive functions.

Lobes

• Four divisions of the cerebrum (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital).
• Each lobe has specific functions (motor, sensory, language, vision).

Hypothalamus

• Region below the thalamus.
• Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other physiological processes.

Amygdala

• Small, almond-shaped structure.
• Processes and regulates emotions, particularly fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

• Curved structure in the temporal lobe.
• Crucial for memory formation, retrieval, and spatial navigation.

Neuroplasticity

• Brain's ability to change and adapt to experiences, learning, and injury.
• Allows for new neural connections and rewiring.

Cognitive Function

• Mental processes (thinking, memory, attention, problem-solving).
• Controlled by the brain.

Behavior

• Observable actions, responses, and conduct.
• Influenced by the brain, emotions, and external factors.