Revision/Preparation guidance

3. Nervous system

The brain

The largest organ of the nervous system is the brain. It is highly developed and organised. Without it our other body systems would not function. Watch the video below that introduces you to the key structures and sections of the brain. It is quiet long, so break it up into chunks, and/or watch a few times. As you watch, look for answers to the questions below. 

(approx 19 mins)

Q)

1. What are the 4 lobes of the cortex called and what are their main functions?
2. The basal ganglia does what to conscious movements?
3. What structure sorts and directs information entering the brain?
4. Which structure forms an important part of the endocrine system?
5. How many pairs of the cranial nerves do humans have?
6. Which of these structures is not part of the brain stem? A) Pons. B) Medulla. C) Somatosensory cortex

The spinal cord

Information travels to and from the brain via the spinal cord. Information about the body  - known as sensory or afferent information - travels up the cord. Information from the brain to the body  - known as motor or efferent information -  travels down the cord. With so much information traveling in different directions the spinal cords anatomical  organisation is important to avoid information getting mixed up and mis laid.

This video gives an overview of the spinal cord anatomy. Watch it so you can answer the questions below.

(approx 6 mins)

Q)

1. If afferent information enters the spinal cord at the back. Where does efferent information leave the spinal cord?
2. What is the convention for labelling spinal nerves?
3. Information traveling up and down the spinal cord does so in bundles of nerves called spinal what?