Describe the ways the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system are different from each other.

Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

The nervous system is divided into two major parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system with everything else: sense organs, muscles, glands, etc.

The Nervous System

The most intriguing and important part of the nervous system is the central nervous system’s brain. Since a common statement about the brain is that “we only use about 10 percent of our brain,” we can only guess what the full potential of the brain is. Late-night television infomercials will claim that their product or method can “unlock” your “full mental capacity.” However, they can never identify what “full mental capacity” really is. Physically, the brain is divided into three basic divisions: the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. Your textbook has diagrams of the brain. While the hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain aren’t labeled as such, you should still be able to recognize key structures.

Hindbrain—Medulla, Pons, and Cerebellum

All animals have the hindbrain at the top of the brainstem. Evolutionists believe that this was the earliest part of the brain to evolve and often call it the “reptilian” or “primitive” part of our brain. All of the functions associated with this part of the brain work automatically, without conscious effort. The hindbrain/brainstem lies at the base of the brain and consists of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum. The medulla is formed as the spinal cord swells and enters the skull. This 1.5 inch structure controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The pons lies above the medulla and connects the rest of the brain to the cerebellum. The cerebellum has two hemispheres and assists with body functions like reflexes, balance, breathing, movement, and coordination.

Midbrain

Above the pons and cerebellum, at the very top of the spinal cord, is the midbrain. Hearing, seeing, and pain are registered in the midbrain. This division of the brain receives its name because it is found in the “middle” of the other parts of the brain.

Forebrain

The forebrain contributes to the highest kinds of “human” thinking. The forebrain consists of the thalamus, the hypothalamus, and the cerebral cortex.