TOPIC 01: The Central Nervous System

• “Primitive brain”
• Receives input from cortex; integration area for input
• Functions include:
  • Involuntary movement
  • Reflex
  • Muscle tone
  • Vital sign control
• Critical to cs and ability to focus mentally, to be alert and pay attention

• Thought to be  implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease
• Area of cells that release essential neurotransmitters
• Important for movement and coordination

• Portion of hindbrain
• Controls autonomic functions; respiration, digestion, heart and vessel function
• Important for transfer of messages since motor and sensory neurons travel through this area

• Pons—latin for bridge
• Connects cortex with medulla
• Houses the locus ceruleus-area for NE production
• Serves as communication center between the two hemispheres

Function:

• Auxiliary structure for the entire cerebral cortex.
• Involved in the control of movements and  postural adjustments
• Equilibrium
• Planning of movements prior to initiation
• Coordination of  voluntary motor movement, muscle  tone, balance and equilibrium
• Balance—Rhomberg test

Damage leads to: 

• Impairment of balance
• Ataxia
• Intention tremors
• Weak muscles
• Nystagmus
• Dysarthria
• Tendency toward falling

Psychopathology

• Thought to be involved in autism
• In children: clumsiness, delayed milestone, language  problems, inability to read social cues

Made of Pyramidal Tracts

• pathways that extend from the cortex to the spinal cord & then to  motor nerves

Regulates the activity of skeletal muscles