PSYC 401 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Central Nervous System, Postcentral Gyrus, Cerebral Cortex
Document Summary
The vertebrate nervous system = 2 main divisions: central nervous system (cns) & peripheral nervous system (pns) Each segment of the spinal cord has a sensory nerve and a motor nerve on both the left and right sides. Spinal pathways convey information to the brain. The sympathetic nervous system (1/2 division of ans) activates body"s internal organs for vigorous activity fight or flight . The parasympathetic system (2/2 division of ans) promotes digestion and nonemergency responses rest and digest . The cns consists of the spinal cord, the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. The hindbrain consists of: medulla, pons, cerebellum. Medulla and pons: control breathing, heart rate, other vital functions through the cranial nerves. Cerebellum: contributes to movement and timing short intervals. Cerebral cortex: receives sensory information (except for olfaction) from the thalamus. Subcortical areas of the forebrain: thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, basal ganglia, hippocampus. Cerebral ventricles: contain fluid (csp) that provides buoyancy and cushioning for the brain.
