The Nervous System, the Cerebrum

Cerebral Cortex
Basal Ganglia
Limbic System

1. Cingulate Gyrus
2. Thalamus
3. Hippocampus
4. Amygdala

Brain function

Ability to generate information and output signals in the absence of external input.

Three systems that influence output by motor systems:

1. the sensory system
1. monitors internal and external environments and initiates reflex responses
2. a cognitive system
1. voluntary responses
3. a behavioural state system
1. sleep-wake cycles and intrinsic behaviours

The Cerebral cortex is organised into functional areas

There are three functional specialisations:

1. Sensory areas - sensory inputs
2. Motor areas - direct muscle movement
3. Association areas - integrate sensory and motor input and direct voluntary behavious

Cerebral lateralization of function or left-right brain dominance.

Neurons display a level of plasticity. 

1. Sensory information is Integrated in the Spinal Cord and Brain
1. Primary Somatic Sensory Cortex
1. touch, temperature, pain, itch, and body position
2. Visual Cortex
1. Occipital lobe
3. Auditory Cortex
1. Temporal Lobe
4. Olfactory Cortex
1. Temporal lobe
5. Gustatory Cortex
1. Deep frontal Lobe
2. Sensory Information is processed into perception
1. The brain completes the information - using sensory information to complete the perception
3. The Motor system Governs Output from the Central Nervous System
1. Three responses:
1. Skeletal Muscle Movement - controlled by the somatic motor division
1. Simple Reflexes can be overridden  by input from the cognitive system
2. Voluntary movements are initiated by the cognitive system in the motor cortex and motor association area - frontal lobes
1. Receive input from the cerebellum and the basal ganglia
2. Descending motor pathways cross to the opposite side - of the body
3. 
   
2. Neuroendocrine signals, neurohormones secreted into the blood by neurons
1. located in the hypothalamus and 
2. the adrenal medulla
3. Visceral response
1. actions of smooth and cardiac muscles or 
2. endocrine and exocrine glands