Biology I - Nervous System - Functions of the nervous system

The functions of the nervous system are divided into the basic and higher functions.

Basic functions

• performed by both central and peripheral nervous system

• cranial nerves perform basic functions for head and neck

• spinal nerves perform basic functions for limbs and trunk

Motor functions - control of skeletal muscle. cause movement, tone, and posture through contraction of muscle

Sensory functions - all of the senses. vision, hearing, smell, taste, vestibular, touch, proprioception, vibration, pain, temperature, and more

Automatic functions - reflexes and other functions done without need for thought like digestion and circulation

Higher functions

• performed by parts of the brain

Cognition - thinking functions, learning, memory, language, executive functions

Emotions - feelings

Consciousness - ?? awareness of being and experience. we know the least about.

Syndromes - patterns of abnormal functions