![]() ![]() ![]() c) Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (For more information on this, be sure to refer to our guide on the endocrine system.)Ĭonversely, the somatic nervous system is primarily associated with the body’s voluntary movements, including skeletal muscle contraction and relaxation. The nervous and endocrine systems integrate closely with each other under feedback control, which results in the stimulation or repression of activation due to the nervous system in response to endocrine products. The autonomic nervous system works closely with a variety of other bodily systems, including the gastrointestinal system and endocrine system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating the involuntary activities of the body, such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and internal body temperature. The peripheral nervous system can be divided into the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. Thus, any environmental cues that are sensed by the right side of the body are sent to the left hemisphere of the brain for processing, and vice versa. The nerves within the corpus callosum allow sensory information from one side to “cross” to the opposite hemisphere, where it can be processed. How do these two hemispheres communicate with each other? A structure called the corpus callosum forms a bridge between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The right hemisphere of the brain processes sensory information from the left side of the body and is also the primary hemisphere used in spatial awareness, emotional intelligence, intuition, and holistic thinking. The left side of the brain processes sensory information from the right side of the body and is also the primary hemisphere used in performing math and science problems, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. An important language center known as Wernicke’s area is located here.Įach hemisphere, or side, of the brain is also loosely specialized. The temporal lobe governs learning, memory, speech perception, and auditory perception. ![]() The occipital lobe governs visual processing. The parietal lobe governs spatial processing, proprioception, and somatosensation. The frontal lobe governs executive function, initiates voluntary motor movement, and is responsible for producing speech. The cerebral cortex can itself be divided into four major lobes, each with loosely specialized functions. These neurons have long axons that extend through the brain and into the spinal cord. The cerebral cortex is rich in the cell bodies, or soma, of neurons. This layer merits special attention because it is responsible for many of our higher cognitive functions. The outermost part of the brain is the cerebral cortex. The brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system, while nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord make up the peripheral nervous system. The nervous system can be divided into two major components. a) Central and peripheral nervous systems ![]() The nervous system serves to integrate information from a variety of body systems, including information about the external environment that is carried into the body, and to coordinate responses that maintain internal homeostasis and proper cellular function. Its primary function is to provide control between different body systems. The nervous system is responsible for a variety of functions. Be sure to understand these concepts well! At the end of the guide, there will also be several MCAT-style practice problems you can use to test your knowledge. Throughout this guide, you will see several terms in bold. To better understand the function of the nervous system, be sure to refer to our Psychology and Sociology guides on Psychological Disorders and Behavior and Biology. The information presented in this guide will describe key aspects of the nervous system that are relevant to biology and biochemistry. Thus, it is more vital than ever that the physicians of tomorrow are equipped with the knowledge needed to care for this growing group of patients. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, for example, is expected to triple by 2050. Unfortunately, studies show that many neurological disorders are on the rise. Part 1: Introduction to the nervous systemįrom allowing you to perceive your surroundings to remembering your life’s most memorable moments, the nervous system can perform some of the most marvelous feats of any organ system. ![]()
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