4.2 Nervous System

Main Parts of the Nervous System

1. Brain: The control center.
2. Spinal Cord: A long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue.
3. Nerves: Bundles of nerve fibers that transmit signals throughout the body.

Brain: Key Parts and Functions

• Cerebrum:
  • Location: Largest part, upper front of skull.
  • Function: Voluntary actions, thought, memory, intelligence, language, sensory perception.
• Cerebellum:
  • Location: Back of the brain, below cerebrum.
  • Function: Coordinates voluntary movements (posture, balance, coordination, speech).
• Medulla Oblongata:
  • Location: Lowest part of brainstem, connects to spinal cord.
  • Function: Controls vital involuntary functions (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing).

Spinal Cord

• Location: Extends from medulla oblongata down through the vertebral column.
• Function:
  • Main pathway for information to and from the brain.
  • Controls reflex actions.

Nerves

• What are Nerves: Nerves are bundles of nerve fibers (axons) that transmit electrical impulses (nerve signals) between the central nervous system and other parts of the body.
• General Function: To transmit information rapidly throughout the body, enabling communication between different organs and systems, and coordinating responses to stimuli.