![]() The cerebral cortex can itself be divided into four major lobes, each with loosely specialized functions. These neurons have long axons that extend through the brain and into the spinal cord. The cerebral cortex is rich in the cell bodies, or soma, of neurons. This layer merits special attention because it is responsible for many of our higher cognitive functions. The outermost part of the brain is the cerebral cortex. The brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system, while nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord make up the peripheral nervous system. The nervous system can be divided into two major components. a) Central and peripheral nervous systems The nervous system serves to integrate information from a variety of body systems, including information about the external environment that is carried into the body, and to coordinate responses that maintain internal homeostasis and proper cellular function. Its primary function is to provide control between different body systems. The nervous system is responsible for a variety of functions. Be sure to understand these concepts well! At the end of the guide, there will also be several MCAT-style practice problems you can use to test your knowledge. Throughout this guide, you will see several terms in bold. To better understand the function of the nervous system, be sure to refer to our Psychology and Sociology guides on Psychological Disorders and Behavior and Biology. The information presented in this guide will describe key aspects of the nervous system that are relevant to biology and biochemistry. Thus, it is more vital than ever that the physicians of tomorrow are equipped with the knowledge needed to care for this growing group of patients. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, for example, is expected to triple by 2050. Unfortunately, studies show that many neurological disorders are on the rise. The autonomic nervous system controls internal organs and glands, while the somatic nervous system controls muscles and movement.Part 1: Introduction to the nervous systemįrom allowing you to perceive your surroundings to remembering your life’s most memorable moments, the nervous system can perform some of the most marvelous feats of any organ system. The somatic nervous system has sensory and motor pathways, whereas the autonomic nervous system only has motor pathways. The autonomic nervous system consists of two sub-components, whereas the somatic nervous system only has one. The sympathetic nervous system responds to external stimuli by preparing the body for fight or flight and the somatic nervous system responds to external stimuli (by carrying information from sensory receptors to the spinal cord and brain). The sympathetic nervous system (part of the autonomic nervous system) and the somatic nervous system respond to external stimuli. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (somatic/autonomic & sympathetic/parasympathetic) The brain consists of multiple regions responsible for different functions, whereas the spinal cord has one main function. The brain provides conscious awareness and allows for higher-order thinking, while the spinal cord allows for simple reflex responses. the brain stem controls breathing and the spinal cord controls involuntary reflexes). ![]() The brain stem and spinal cord both control involuntary processes (e.g. Here are some key similarities and differences when comparing the CNS (Brain & spinal cord) and PNS (somatic/autonomic & sympathetic/parasympathetic).ĬENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (brain & spinal cord)
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