Biol213L: Lab 6: Nervous and Sensory Systems

Cerebrum

>largest part of brain, involved with higher brain function such as intelligence, memory, will, and sensory perception.

>Gyrus: Folds on the outer surface that help increase surface area; therefore maximizing surface area.

Corpus Callosum

>thick bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate.

Cerebellum

> muscle control, including balance and movement.

> plays a role in other cognitive functions such as language processing and memory.

Medulla

>controls your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and more. Manages other automatic

processes

Pons

-a part of your brainstem. Links your brain to your spinal cord. It handles unconscious processes and jobs, such as your sleep-wake cycle and breathing.

1: Hypothalamus - Link the nervous system and endocrine system together. Helps maintain homeostasis.

2:Pituitary Gland - Receives hormone signals from the hypothalamus to regulate growth and development and the functioning of other endocrine organs.

Pineal gland: secrete melatonin in the absence of light

Olfactory bulb - Process odor

Dura mater

>Thick membrane. Protects the brain and spinal cord.

>Top layer of the meninges.

Sclera

>protective layer made up of collagen and elastic fibers.

Cornea

>protects the visual surface and lets light in initially.

Iris

>pigmented part

Pupi

>Opening in iris where light enrers

Lens

>transmit light to retina.

Aqueous humor

>clear liquid inside the front part to nourish the eyes.

>replenishes/regenerates

Vitreous humor

> Clear liquid inside the middle part to help the eye maintain its shape.

> Produced once as a fetus and does not replenish.

Retina

-light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball.

Contains photoreceptor cells:

- Rods: contrasting vision

- Cones: color vision

Choroid

>middle layer of the eye filled with blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the retina.

>excess light passes through the retina and gets absorbed in the choroid

Tapetum Lucidum

>reflects incoming light back out the retina. Helps increase vision in low light condition;

important for nocturnal and marine mammals.

Optic nerve: bundle of nerve fibers that send signals to the brain