Nervous System Divisions and Function

• The chapter explores the divisions of the nervous system, neuron function, neuroplasticity, methods to study the brain, brain lateralization, lobes of the cerebral cortex, regions of the subcortex, the endocrine system, and self-regulation.

Nervous System Overview

• The nervous system consists of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
• The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord.
• The PNS includes nerves outside the CNS.
• The brain contains most of the body's neurons.
• The spinal cord transmits information between the brain and the PNS.
• Neurons are individual nerve cells.
• Nerves are bundles of neuron fibers (axons).
• Cranial nerves directly connect the PNS to the brain.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) controls voluntary movements and sensory input.
• The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls involuntary functions.
• The sympathetic system activates the "fight or flight" response.
• The parasympathetic system activates the "rest and digest" response.

Methods to Study Brain Structure

• CT scans use X-ray imaging.
• MRI produces detailed 3D images.

Methods to Study Brain Function

• Surgical techniques: Electrical stimulation, ablation, deep lesioning.
• EEG measures electrical activity.
• PET uses radioactive tracers to measure brain activity.
• fMRI detects changes in brain activity.

Cerebral Hemispheres

• The left hemisphere is responsible for language, math, and time judgment.
• The right hemisphere is responsible for perception and big-picture thinking.
• The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres.
• Lateralization is the specialization of brain functions in different hemispheres.

Hemispheric dominance

• Hemispheric dominance controls handedness.
• Individuals often exhibit mixed dominance across hands, feet, eyes, or ears.

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

• Frontal lobes control movement, self-awareness, and higher mental functions.
• The prefrontal cortex handles executive functions.
• Broca's area handles language production.
• The primary motor area controls voluntary movements.
• Mirror neurons fire when performing or observing actions.
• Parietal lobes process body sensations.
• The primary somatosensory area receives sensory input.
• Temporal lobes handle hearing and language.
• Wernicke’s area handles language comprehension.
• Occipital lobes process visual information.
• The primary visual cortex recognizes objects and faces.
• Visual agnosia and facial agnosia are disorders affecting object and face recognition.

Brain Regions

• The hindbrain controls basic survival functions.
• The medulla controls breathing and heart rate.
• The pons connects different brain parts.
• The cerebellum coordinates movement and posture.
• The midbrain connects the forebrain and hindbrain.
• The brainstem transmits messages between the brain and the body.
• The forebrain handles higher mental functions.
• The thalamus processes sensory information.
• The hypothalamus regulates emotions and body needs.
• The limbic system controls emotions and memory.
• The amygdala handles fear and emotional memory.
• The hippocampus handles memory formation and spatial navigation.

The Frontal Lobes and Self-Regulation

• Self-regulation is the ability to control impulses and emotions.
• Executive functions include goal setting, attention control, and progress monitoring.

Improving Self-Regulation Skills

• The "hot" emotional system is impulsive and linked to the limbic system.
• The "cool" cognitive system is logical and considers long-term consequences.
• Selective attention focuses away from temptations.
• Cognitive reappraisal reframes situations for better self-control.

Overview of the nervous system including the CNS, PNS, and neuron function. Covers neuroplasticity, brain study methods, lateralization, and lobes of the cerebral cortex. Also explores the endocrine system and self-regulation.