Central Nervous System vs Peripheral Nervous System

Introduction

• Focus: Understanding the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
• Goal: Simplify complex concepts to save study time and reduce stress.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Components: Brain and Spinal Cord.

Brain Structures

• Cerebrum:

  • Divided into four lobes: Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital.
  • Functions include memory, emotion, problem-solving, reasoning, and movement.

• Cerebellum:

  • Location: Back of the brain.
  • Functions: Movement, balance, motor control.

• Brainstem:

  • Location: Base of the brain, connects brain to spinal cord.
  • Functions: Regulates breathing, blood pressure, eating.

Spinal Cord

• Location: Base of the brain down the back.
• Functions: Communication pathway between brain and body, controlling movement, sensation, and reflexes (e.g., knee-jerk reflex).

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• Components: Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, reaching the limbs, organs, and other structures.

Divisions of PNS

• Somatic Nervous System:

  • Controls voluntary movement and sensation in skin, muscles, and joints.
  • Transfers information from brain to skeletal muscles for voluntary actions.

• Autonomic Nervous System:

  • Controls automatic functions (breathing, heart rate, digestion).
  • Transfers information from brain to internal organs for involuntary functions.
  • Branches:
    • Sympathetic: Increases activity in organs.
    • Parasympathetic: Decreases activity in organs.

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Additional Resources

• Test prep playlist and resources for reducing test stress and improving grades.
• Study resources for further learning on the nervous system.