Brain Games: Central Nervous System

We will explore the parts and functions that make up the central nervous system. We will look at

• cells
• tissue
• organs

But before we get started, here's a breakout activity to get your brain fired up!

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THE CELLS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

NEURON / NERVE CELL

There are two main type of cells that make up the nervous system:

• neurons (aka nerve cells)
• glial cells

GLIAL CELL

Neurons (also called nerve cells) are the primary cells that make up the brain and nervous system. These cells send signals between the brain and throughout the body. There are about 86 billion neurons in your brain.

Glial cells are the other cells found throughout the nervous system. Their main functions are to provide support and protection for neurons. Glial cells do not produce electrical impulses.

BRAIN TISSUE - WHITE MATTER & GRAY MATTER

The two main types of tissue in the central nervous system are white matter and gray matter.

White matter is the tissue in the brain through which nerve cells relay signals between different parts of the brain.

Gray matter is brain tissue that processes the information sent by neurons.

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The Central Nervous System

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The human nervous system has two main parts:

• the central nervous system (CNS)
• the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

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The CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) is responsible for all life functions. It is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.

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The main parts of the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.

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The four lobes of the cerebrum are the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, and temporal lobes. The right hemisphere and left hemisphere have the same lobes.

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The parietal lobes process sensory information received through the senses of taste and touch (such as temperature, touch, and pressure). This lobe also helps you know where your body is in the space around you.

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The temporal lobe enables you to produce language, understand speech, and understand the verbal expression of emotions.

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The occipital lobe stores visual memory and helps you identify colors, recognize faces and objects, and detect movement.

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The cerebellum controls balance, posture, coordination, large motor movement, and fine motor movement. It also plays a role in managing emotions and behavior.

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The three main parts of the brainstem are the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

• The midbrain connects directly into the brain.
• The pons is the relay station in the middle of the brainstem.
• The medulla connects the brainstem to the spinal cord.

The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord. The brainstem regulates involuntary life functions such as breathing and blood circulation. It also controls involuntary reflex actions such as sneezing and hiccupping.

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