The Central Nervous System

What does this system include?

The brain and spinal cord

What is the purpose of the CNS

Directs mental and basic life processes

What is the purpose of the Spinal Cord

Sends information to and from the brain; to the PNS and the controls reflexes

What is the purpose of the Cerebellum? - Hindbrain

A structure in the hindbrain involved in motor behavior, coordination, and balance.

What is the purpose of the Medulla? - Hindbrain

An area of the hindbrain involved in regulation of heartbeat, respiration, and blood pressure.

What is the purpose of the Pons? - Hindbrain

A structure in the hindbrain involved in body movements, attention, sleep, and respiration.

Reticular activating system (RAS) - Midbrain

Rises through midbrain and into lower part of forebrain. Involved in processes of attention, sleep, and arousal.

Thalamus - Forebrain

Relays sensory information to the cortex and involved in processes related to sleep and attention.

Limbic System

Involved in emotional processing, memory, and basic drives such as hunger, thirst, and aggression.

Hypothalamus - Forebrain

Regulates body temperature, emotion, and motivation.

Basal ganglia

Neurons at the base of the forebrain involved in regulating postural movements and coordination.

Cerebrum

Consists of the two cerebral hemispheres, responsible for higher mental functions.

Cerebral Cortex

The wrinkled surface area of the cerebrum responsible for processing sensory stimuli and controlling higher mental functions, such as thinking and use of language. Split into 4 parts.

Cerebral Cortex - Occipital Lobe

Primarily involved in processing visual stimuli.

Cerebral Cortex - Temporal Lobe

Involved in processing sounds or auditory stimuli.

Cerebral Cortex - Parietal Lobe

Involved in processing sensations of touch, temperature, and pain.

Cerebral Cortex - Frontal Lobe

Controls muscle movement and includes the prefrontal cortex that regulates higher mental functions such as thinking, problem-solving, and use of language.