models of the human mind (CNS, PNS, somatic, autonomic, parasympathetic, sympathetic, enteric)

Comparing neuroanatomy

Similar brain structures across species

Size doesn’t matter - an animals’ intelligence is not proportional to the size of the brain; brain size typically scales with the size of the animal’s body

Numbers count - the more neurons within the brain, the greater number of synaptic connections between neurons and the greater the complexity of function that the brain can support

Brains support functional specialisation - animals that have particular types of skills or requirements have relatively larger brain areas dedicated to that particular function

Comparative psychology

Charles Darwin made a number of claims that the root of virtually all human behaviour derives from natural processes operating on ancestral species, rather than gods or angels

These claims lead to many moral and ethical debates

Simulating the brain and mind

Computer technology show complex analysis of traditional neuroscience data, to simulation and modelling the human brain.

Power and potential can be seen in projects like:

• Allen Brain Institute

• The Human Brain Project

Section summary

• human brains show similarities in structure and function when compared with other animals

• Animal models can be used to learn more about evolution of the human brain and to inform medical research

• It is now possible to simulate and model the activity of individual neurons and aspects of brain function using computing technology

• Though this is not perfect nor a complete simulation of the brain or mind

Divisions of the nervous system

Peripheral nervous system (PNS); Central nervous system (CNS)

Somatic system; Autonomic system

Enteric nervous system

Parasympathetic system

Sympathetic system

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord

• contains the brain (including the retinal cells within the eyeball) and the spinal cord

• The brain is encased by the skull, while the spinal cord sits within the vertebrae, which allows both protection and flexibility in a moving body

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Cranial and Spinal nerves

• refers to the network of nerves that extend out from the CNS throughout the body

• PNS sends messages from the brain to control muscle movement

• The PNS also receives sensory information about body position, pain, temperature and transmits to the CNS

• The PNS can be further subdivided into the Somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system

Somatic system

Connects CNS to sensory input and voluntary motor output

• subdivision of PNS

• Receives sensory information from the sensory organs and controls movement of skeletal muscle

• Also includes spinal nerves (sensory and motor pathways) that extend through vertebrae

Autonomic system

Connects and central system to non-voluntary muscles and glands

• The automnomic (“self-governing”) system (ANS) includes the smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands. It mediates non-voluntary functions of the nervous system

• Consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic system that regulates important bodily functions and responses through opposing influences throughout the body

• Also includes the enteric nervous system which support digestion

Sympathetic nervous system (PNS)

Arousing prepares body for activity; uses energy (fight or flight)

Parasympathetic system (PNS)

Claiming: prepares body for restoration of energy

Dominance’s when the body is in “rest and digest” mode

Enteral system

Gut and gastrointestinal

ENS is part of the peripheral nervous system

Contains 100 million neurons and is often termed the second brain

Has its own reflexes and senses and can act independently of brain (the only part of the PNS that can act autonomously)

Nearly every neurotransmitter found int he brain is also found in the gut

Plays a major role in emotions and stress

ENS does not just help digestion. 90% of connections between the brain and gut go from the gut to the brain