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Central Nervous
System

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 Key Concepts

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The nervous system
consists of NEURONS
which communicate
information and GLIA
which support and
protect the neurons in
various ways. 2
 Brain
CNS
Afferent
Spinal
Cord
Nervous
System Efferent
Somatic
NS
PNS Sympatheti
Afferent c
Autonomi
c NS
Parasympath
Efferent
etic
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 The nervous system

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B. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM,
consisting of the brain and
spinal cord which are
responsible for integration.
C. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM which transmits
sensory input and executes
central commands. 4
The nervous system Protection

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The central nervous system is
PROTECTED by the skull,
meninges, and fluid filled
cavities containing
cerebrospinal fluid.
This fluid originates in the
ventricular system of the
brain. 5
 Organization of The Brain

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The brain is highly organized with
regard to function.
Specific areas of the cerebrum are
involved with processing sensory
information and motor output.

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 Organization of The Brain

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Many aspects of the cerebral cortex are
mapped for function in a precise
manner.
manner
Other parts of the cerebrum modulate
motor output from the cerebral cortex
while others, such as the limbic
system,
system are involved in mediation of
behavior and memory.
memory 7
 Organization of The Brain

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Integration of sensory input and motor
output occurs in the brain stem as well.
For example, the midbrain integrates auditory
input and motor responses in the eye.
The brain stem also contains specific
pathways which move information from the
spinal up to the brain and other descending
pathways from the brain.
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 THE CEREBELLUM

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Although THE CEREBELLUM does not initiate
motor commands, it is involved in modifying
motor commands which arise from the
motor cortices of the cerebrum.

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 THE SPINAL CORD

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THE SPINAL CORD also consists of specific
ascending and descending nerve
pathways which communicate information
between the body and the brain.
This structure is also involved in reflexes which
are simple behaviors, such as the withdrawal
reflex.

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 The Nervous System

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Some functions of the Nervous
System
a. Regulation of physiology
b. Sensory input and motor
output
c. Emotions, memory,
reasoning, perceptions,
etc. 11
 Organization of the nervous system

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I. Central Nervous System (CNS)
II. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
a. Afferents, interneurons, and efferents.

Tissue Types in the Nervous System

1. Neurons--communication of information
via action potentials
2. Glia--nutrition, support, insulation,
phagocytosis, CSF production, and
neural development
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PROTECTION AND NOURISHMENT OF
THE CNS

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CNS is well-protected from
internal/external change
2. Blood brain barrier (BBB)--protection
from toxins, etc.
3. Skull and vertebrae--protection from
physical insults
4. Meninges--nourishment from blood and
protection
5. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) 13
FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE
BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD

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The CNS regulates physiology and is
responsible for behavior.

General brain organization. The major

division are:
the forebrain,
midbrain, and
hindbrain
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 The Brain: Form and Function

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I-CEREBRUM
Spatial relationships reflect functional
interaction, e.g.:
a) Broca's area is projects to the premotor
cortex
b) Wernicke's area receives sensory input
from visual and auditory cortices as
well as other brain areas
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 The Brain: Form and Function
II- DIENCEPHALON
(THALAMUS AND HYPOTHALAMUS)
C. Thalamus is a relay point (ascending paths)
D. Hypothalamus is important in homeostasis,
reproduction, and various behaviors

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 The Brain: Form and Function
III-CEREBELLUM
Functional organization
1)Vestibulocerebellum (important in balance and eye/ head
movements)
2) Spinocerebellum (adjustment of voluntary behaviors, such as
walking)
3) Cerebrocerebellum (voluntary behavior; assists in planned
movements via the premotor cortex; behaviors that work or don't
work)

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 The Brain: Form and Function
IV-BRAINSTEM (MIDBRAIN, PONS, AND
MEDULLA OBLONGATA)
b. Site of Reticular Activating System (RAS) 1) Affects
state of arousal (sleep-wake cycle, hibernation cycle).
c. Midbrain acts as a relay station, as a point of
integration for sensory input (=tectum), and in
perception of pain .

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 The Brain: Form and Function
c. Pons and Medulla -- relay station; site of regulatory
centers
d. Cranial nerves *Convey sensory inputs to and motor
outputs from the brain

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 General organization:
Spinal Cord

Spinal cord is also involved in various reflexes

1) Example 1: Withdrawal reflex .
2) Example 2: Crossed-extensor reflex .
3) Example 3: Micturition reflex involves control from higher
centers

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