8 - Role of the hypothalamus, reticular formation, cerebellum, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex in the control of the autonomic functions. Integration of the central nervous system in the adaptation processes of the body – “alarm” or “stress” response of the sympathetic nervous system.

section

• what is hypothalamus

• reticular formation

• cerebellum

• basal ganglia

• cerebral cortex

• 3 parts of cerebral cortex

• sympathetic response

• what is hypothalamus

• Links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland Neuroendocrine cells secrete hormones

• Hypothalamus is used in homeostasis, regulating bp, body temp, fluid and electrolyte balance. The hormones released affect the pituitary gland.

• reticular formation

• Set of interconnectd nuclei in the brainstem

• recieves info from the spinal cord.

• Has ascending and descending part

• Ascending RF activating system- resposnibile for sleep cycles

• When stimulated tends to increase alertness

• Transmits impulses to higher centres via a multisynaptic pathway, is activated by collateral branches of sensory neurones, neurones project to most parts of the cerebral cortex

• Has a role in sleep cycle, controls muscle tone, influencs endocrine secretion, pain modulation

• cerebellum

• Essential for finely coordinated movements

• Has an afferent input from the motor cortex

• Has an afferent input from muscle proprioceptors

• Important for motor control, cognitive functions e.g. - attraction and language and some pleasure responses, balance, skeletal muscle tone- posture

basal ganglia

involved in motor control, emotions and learning—in primary motor cortex

• cerebral cortex

relay centre

• 3 parts of cerebral cortex

1. Sensory area, receives and measures info from sensory organs

2. Motor area- coordinates voluntary movements

3. Associated areas

• sympathetic response

• sympathetic response:

  • Faster heartbeat and breathing

  • Increased blood pressure

  • More blood sent to muscles

  • Less activity in things like digestion

• During stress the pituitary gland and hypothalamus secrete hormones e.g. ACTH

• Spinal cord transfers neural impulses from brain to rest of body

• Amygdala modulates stress response during anxiety or fear

• Hippocampus – involved in memory. Previous memories can affect the stress response.