Neuroanatomy
The structure and connectivity to the. nervous system
Neurophysiology
How neurons work and communicate
Nervous System
An interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical information throughout the body
Central Nervous System (CNS) (2)
- The part of the nervous system that is composed of the brain and the spinal cord
- It receives sensory information from the external world, processes and coordinates this information, and sends commands to the skeletal and muscular systems for action
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) (2)
- Connects the central nervous system to the body’s organs and muscles
- Consists of somatic and autonomic nervous systems
Somatic Nervous System (5)
- A set of nerves that convey information into and out of the central nervous system
- Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles → humans have conscious control over this system and use it to coordinate behaviours
- This system consists of nerves that:
- Transmit messages for motor movement from the CNS to the body
- Convey sensory information to the CNS
Autonomic Nervous System (4)
- A set of nerves that carry involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs and glands
- This system sends and receives messages to regulate the automatic behaviours of the body (eg. heart rate, digestion, blood pressure etc.)
- Controls self-regulated action of internal organs and glands
- It is divided into two subsystems (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
Hindbrain
An area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord
Medulla (4)
- An extension of the spinal cord into the skull that coordinates heart rate, circulation and respiration
- Regulates our cardiovascular and respiratory systems (heartbeat, blood circulation and breathing rate)
- Responsible for reflexes such as swallowing, coughing, sneezing, vomiting
- Maintaining body balance by controlling head and limbs position with respect to gravity
Pons (3)
- A brain structure that relays information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain
- Integrates information from movements of and sensations from facial muscles, tongue, eye and ear
- Involved in regulating brain attentiveness levels and in initiating sleep and dreaming
Cerebellum (2)
- A large structure of the hindbrain that controls fine motor skills
- Fine control and coordination of balance and movements using the information from muscles, joints and tendons
Forebrain (4)
- Highest level of the brain
- Critical for complex cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor functions
- Most anterior part of the brain
- Divided into 2 cerebral hemispheres (cerebral cortex and subcortical structures)
Cortex
The clearly visible part of the forebrain, the wrinkled surface
Cerebral Cortex
The outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye and divided into two hemispheres
Commissures
Bundles of axons that make communication possible between parallel areas of the cortex in each half
Corpus callosum
A thick band of nerve fibres that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across the hemispheres
Occipital lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex that processes visual information
Parietal lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex who’s functions include processing information about touch
Frontal lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialised areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory and judgement
Temporal lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex responsible for hearing and language
Primary visual cortex
The outermost layer of the occipital lobe area where visual information is processed
Somatosensory cortex (3)
- The outermost layer of the parietal lobe containing a representation of the body map.
- Represents skin areas of particular parts on the contralateral side of the body
- More sensitive body part, larger part of cortex is devoted to it
Motor cortex
A strip of brain tissue in the frontal lobe which represents and controls different skin and body areas on the contralateral side to the body
Primary auditory cortex
The outermost layer of the temporal lobe where auditory information is processed
