THE BRAIN & NERVOUS SYSTEM

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord that process information

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Nerves that connect the CNS to the body

Reflex

Rapid, involuntary response to a stimulus

Afferent neurons

Sensory neurons that carry information to the CNS

Efferent neurons

Motor neurons that carry signals away from the CNS

Autonomic nervous system

Controls involuntary body functions

Sympathetic division

Prepares body for stress (fight-or-flight)

Parasympathetic division

Calms body and conserves energy (rest-and-digest)

Enteric division

Controls digestive system activity

Forebrain

Largest brain region involved in complex functions

Midbrain

Connects forebrain and hindbrain and controls reflexes

Hindbrain

Controls basic life functions

Medulla oblongata

Controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement, balance, and posture

Pons

Relays information between brain regions

Reticular formation

Controls arousal, sleep, and attention

Limbic system

Involved in emotion, motivation, and memory

Thalamus

Relays sensory information to the cerebrum

Hypothalamus

Maintains homeostasis and controls endocrine system

Cerebrum

Largest brain region responsible for thinking and action

Cerebral cortex

Outer layer of cerebrum responsible for complex thought

Frontal lobe

Controls decision making, movement, and personality

Parietal lobe

Processes sensory information like touch

Temporal lobe

Processes hearing and memory

Occipital lobe

Processes visual information

Primary motor cortex

Controls voluntary movement

Primary somatosensory cortex

Processes touch and body sensations

Prefrontal cortex

Controls decision making, personality, and planning

Homeostasis

Maintaining stable internal conditions