1. Brain
1.1. Located in the skull / skull cap
1.2. It works as one unit
1.3. Four sections
1.3.1. Spinal bulb
1.3.1.1. Extension of the medulla
1.3.1.2. Areas of grey matter surrounded by white matter
1.3.1.3. Ascending neural pathways pass. Come from the medulla and carry info to the brain. These pathways CROSS.
1.3.1.4. Part of the autonomus nervous system. Regulates heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing
1.3.2. Brain stem
1.3.2.1. Regulates sleep, visual and auditory reflexes, blood pressure and communication between the cerebellum and other parts of the brain. Helps select the stimuli sent to the brain
1.3.2.2. Hypothalamus, part of the spinal bulb. Is connected to and controls the pituitary gland.
1.3.3. Cerebellum
1.3.3.1. Grey matter in the outside and white matter in the inside
1.3.3.2. In charge of receiving information for balance
1.3.4. Cerebrum
1.3.4.1. Largest part. White matter in the inside. Grey matter in the outside.
1.3.4.2. Cerebral cortex, responsible for acquirred behaviour, made of grey matter. Has ridges (gyri): intergyrals and fissures
1.3.4.3. One fissure divides cerebrum into two hesmispheres; left and right. Divided by the corpus callosum (white matter). The ridges define the different areas of the cerebral cortex, known as LOBES.
1.4. Functions:
1.4.1. Diverse and complex
1.4.2. Receives info from sensory organs, and produces the corresponding sensation.
1.4.3. It processes information received and produces responses and signals for the effector organs
1.4.4. Coordinates and controls the functions of every part of the nervous system
1.4.5. Controls higher nerve functions: memory, reasoning, intelligence, conscience and will
2. Spinal cord
2.1. Functions:
2.1.1. Produces reflex actions: these happen due to a response to a stimulus, without the brain participating
2.1.2. Carries sensory nerve impulses towards the brain and motor nerve impulses from brain to the effector organs.