biology 11.2 -11.3

central nervous system and peripheral nervous system

grey matter

unmyelinated, on outside areas of the brain, and forms the core of the spinal cord

white matter

myelinated, inner regions of the brain, outer spinal cord

spinal cord

the communication link between brain and peripheral nervous system.

* has sensory and motor neurons
* protected by cerebrospinal fluid, soft tissue, and spinal column

meninges

three layers of tough elastic tissue that enclose brain and spinal column

corpus callosum

a series of nerve fibers that connects right and left hemispheres

mid brain

relays visual and auditory information between hindbrain midbrain

* important role in eye movement and control of skeletal muscles

hypothalamus

controls:

* survival instincts (thirst and hunger)
* emotions
* sex drive
* coordinates the action of the pituitary gland
* automatic nervous system

thalamus

provide connections between hindbrain and forebrain as well as areas of the sensory system

* relay center for sensory input

cerebrum

largest part of brain divided into hemispheres and lobes

* controls stomatic nervous system

pons

relays information between cerebellum and cerebral cortex

medulla oblongata

controls subconscious activities involuntary movements (smooth and cardiac muscles)

* controls automatic nervous system

cerebellum

muscle coordination and balance

* controls stomatic nervous system

blood-brain barrier

meninges preventing direct circulation of blood through the brain and spine. Supplies brain with nutrients and oxygen

cerebrospinal fluid

transports hormones white blood cells and nutrients across the blood-brain barrier, is a shock absorber/cushion

cerebral cortex

thin outer layer of grey matter covering each half of the cerebrum

* responsible for: Language, memory, personality, vision, thought ex

corpus callosum

bundle of white matter that links right and left hemispheres

right hemisphere

* holistic and intuitive thinking visual-spatial skills and artistic abilities
* Controls left side of body

left hemisphere

* logical thinking linguistic and mathematical skills
* controls right side of body

frontal lobe

integrates information, controls reasoning critical thinking, memory, personality and voluntary movement

* speaking and translates thought to speech(Broca’s area)

temporal lobe

hearing and smell

parietal lobe

sensory information and body position, taste, touch temperature, pain, and pressure

* language comprehension (Wernicke's area)

occipital lobe

visual information

motor cortex

voluntary control (muscle)