9. Functional Organisation of the CNS

What is the central nervous system?

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

What is the primary role of the CNS?

To integrate sensory information and coordinate motor output

What are emergent properties of the CNS?

Complex functions such as cognition emotion and consciousness arising from neural networks

Why cannot CNS functions be explained by single neurons?

Because CNS functions arise from interactions among many neurons

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system

What does functional organisation of the CNS refer to?

The way neural networks are arranged to process information and produce responses

What are the three major functional systems of the brain?

The sensory system the cognitive system and the behavioral state system

What is the function of the sensory system?

To monitor internal and external environments and initiate reflex responses

What is the function of the cognitive system?

To initiate voluntary responses and higher-level processing

Where is the cognitive system primarily located?

In the cerebral cortex

What is the function of the behavioral state system?

To regulate arousal sleep wake cycles mood and motivation

Where does the behavioral state system originate?

From neurons in the brainstem and limbic system

What is feedback in CNS function?

Information about responses that feeds back to adjust sensory cognitive or motor activity

What is cerebral lateralisation?

Functional specialization of the left and right cerebral hemispheres

Which functions are typically lateralised to the left hemisphere?

Language and verbal skills

Which functions are typically lateralised to the right hemisphere?

Spatial and visual skills

Can cerebral dominance change?

Yes due to neural plasticity

What is the role of the cerebral cortex?

To act as an integrating center for sensory information and motor planning

What are the three functional areas of the cerebral cortex?

Sensory motor and association areas

What do association areas of the cortex do?

Integrate information and direct voluntary behaviour

What is the corpus callosum?

A bundle of axons connecting the two cerebral hemispheres

Why is the corpus callosum important?

It allows communication and coordination between hemispheres

What is perception?

The conscious awareness and interpretation of sensory information

How does perception differ from sensation?

Perception involves interpretation while sensation is detection

What is the role of integration centers in the CNS?

To process incoming signals and determine appropriate responses

Why is CNS organisation described as hierarchical?

Because information is processed at different levels from simple reflexes to complex cognition