Central Nervous System Notes

Central Nervous System

Overview

• The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord and brain.
• It is responsible for:
  • Processing information
  • Receiving information
  • Responding to sensory information
• The system is fragile in construction.

Spinal Cord

• Extends from the skull.
• Sensory input travels from the spinal cord to the brain.
• The spinal cord has four main parts:
  • Cervical (neck)
  • Thoracic (upper back)
  • Lumbar (lower back)
  • Sacral
• The spinal cord has 31 different segments, each with a pair of spinal nerves:
  • Cervical: 8
  • Thoracic: 12
  • Lumbar: 5
  • Sacral: 5

Brain Structure and Function

• The brain is divided into left and right hemispheres, each responsible for different functions.
• Specialized regions may or may not interact to produce outcomes.
• The brain is divided into four lobes:
  • Frontal: responsible for motor function
  • Parietal: processing
  • Occipital: visual processing
  • Temporal: auditory processing
• Cerebellum: Helps with motor functions and coordination.

Protection of the Brain and Spinal Cord

• Brain: protected by the bones of the skull.
• Spinal Cord: protected by vertebrae (set of ring-like bones).

Vocabulary

• Frontal: responsible for motor function
• Parietal: processing
• Occipital: visual processing
• Temporal: auditory processing
• Vertebrae: set of ring-like bones
• Cervical: neck
• Thoracic: upper back
• Lumbar: lower back
• Sacral: pelvis