nervous system random

400-500 calories

3 pounds: 60% fat and 40% water, protein, carbs, and salts

dark outer portion of the brain, dark inner portion of the spinal cord composed of neuron somas

carry information from sensory receptors of the skin and other organs to the brain and spinal cord (i.e. central nervous system)

carry motor information away from central nervous system to the muscles and glands of the body

light, inner section of the brain, light outer portion of the spinal cord mostly composed of axons wrapped in myelin

grey matter: primarily responsible for processing and interpreting information white matter: transmits information to other parts of the nervous system

cell body; contains all organelles

conducts electrical impulses known as action potentials

insulating layer, wrapped around nerves; made up of fatty an protein substances; allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently

contains the cerebral cortex (gray matter) and white matter at the center largest part of the brain

• initiates and coordinates movement • regulates temperature • enable speech, judgement, thinking and reasoning, problem solving, emotions, and learning • vision, hearing, touch, and other senses

comprises of 1/2 the brains weight two hemispheres covered in gyri (ridges) and sulci (folds) both hemispheres join at a large deep sulcus (the interhemispheric fissure, AKA the medial longitudinal fissure)

large, c-shaped structure of white matter and nerve pathways called the corpus callous center of the cerebrum

middle of the brain connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord midbrain pons medulla

(mesencephalon) - contains a range of neuron cluster (nuclei and colliculus) and neural pathways and structures - facilitate various functions, from hearing and movement to calculating responses and environmental changes

• origin for 4 of 12 cranial nerves • connection between the midbrain and the medulla

• bottom of the brainstem, where the brain meets the spinal cord • essential to survival • regulates bodily activities, including heart rhythm, breathing, blood flow, and O2 and CO2 levels • produces reflexive activities like sneezing, vomiting, coughing, and swallowing

• “little brain” at the back of the brain, below the temporal and occipital lobes, above the brainstem • two hemispheres • function: coordinate voluntary muscle movements and to maintain posture, balance, and equilibrium

the three protective coverings that surround the brain and spinal cord

dura mater (outermost layer) arachnoid mater (middle) pia mater (innnermost)

-thick, tough - two layers: periosteal layer, lines the cranium (inner dome of skull); meningeal layer below that - space between layers allow for the passage of veins and arteries that supply blood flow to the brain

• thin, weblike layer of connective tissue • does not contain nerves or blood vessels • below is the cerebrospinal fluid • fluid cushions the entire CNS and continually circulates around these structures to remove impurities

• thin membrane that hits the surface of the brain • follows the contours of the brain • rich with vein and arteries