Nervous System Functions and Components

Nervous System Functions

• The nervous system links humans with the external world, coordinating body system activities.
• With the endocrine system, the nervous system maintains homeostasis.
• The nervous system includes the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

CNS Components

• The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

PNS Components

• The PNS consists of the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves.

Cell Types in Nervous Tissue

• The two main types of cells in nervous tissue are glial cells and neurons.
• Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons, and new glial cells are formed after birth.
• Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals in the nervous system.

The Medulla Oblongata

• The medulla oblongata controls heart rate, respiration, and swallowing.

Brain's Fuel Source

• The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen and glucose.

Hypothalamus Function

• The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and water balance.

Thalamus Function

• The thalamus relays sensory messages to the cerebral cortex.

Cerebellum Function

• The cerebellum coordinates muscle movements, balance, and posture.

Cerebral Cortex

• The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the cerebrum.

Central Sulcus

• The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes.

Primary Motor Cortex

• The primary motor cortex is located in the frontal lobe and controls voluntary movement.

Wernicke's and Broca's Areas

• Wernicke's area is responsible for speech comprehension.
• Broca's area is responsible for speech production.

Occipital Lobe Function

• The occipital lobe processes visual information.

Hippocampus

• The hippocampus is part of the limbic system and plays a role in memory and learning.

Parietal Lobe Function

• The parietal lobe processes sensory information and is involved in spatial awareness.

Amygdala Function

• The amygdala is important for long-term memory and emotions.

Meninges

• The meninges are membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.
• The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges.

Spinal Cord Extension

• The spinal cord extends from the medulla oblongata to the L-2 vertebra.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Production

• Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles of the brain.

Hypothalamus as a Link

• The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Medulla Oblongata Reflex Actions

• The medulla oblongata is involved in reflex actions such as swallowing and vomiting.

Autonomic Nervous System Divisions

• The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Neuron Protection

• The myelin sheath protects the neuron's cell body.

Myelin Sheath Function

• The myelin sheath increases the speed of electrical impulses.

Neuromuscular Junction Neurotransmitter

• Acetylcholine is released at neuromuscular junctions to stimulate muscle contraction.

Most Abundant CNS Neurotransmitter

• Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the CNS.

GABA Function

• GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter linked to feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.

Medulla Oblongata Function

• The medulla oblongata controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heartbeat.

Parasympathetic Nervous System Function

• The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the rest-and-digest response.

Blood-Brain Barrier Formation

• Astrocytes are involved in forming the blood-brain barrier.

Spinal Cord Function

• The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Hippocampus Function

• The hippocampus is primarily associated with memory and learning.

Cerebellum Function

• The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements.

GABA Neurotransmitter Type

• GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Hypothalamus Regulation

• The hypothalamus regulates the endocrine system.

Peripheral Nervous System Components

• The brain is not part of the peripheral nervous system.

Voluntary Movement Control

• The somatic nervous system is primarily responsible for voluntary movement.

Interneurons Function

• Interneurons transmit impulses from sensory neurons to motor neurons.

Cerebrum Functions

• The cerebrum is involved in coordination of movement, sensory processing, decision-making, and memory storage, but not in reflex actions.

Dopamine -"Reward" Chemical

• Dopamine is known as the "reward" chemical in the brain.

Brain-Spinal Cord Connection

• The medulla oblongata connects the brain to the spinal cord.

Spinal Reflex

• A spinal reflex is controlled by the spinal cord without involving the brain.

Digestive System Control

• The parasympathetic nervous system controls digestive processes.

Main Excitatory Neurotransmitter

• Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS.