From the simple to the complex
SUB-TOPIC
Function by Level of Organization

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Linked Module: Introducing the Brain Linked Module: 27 Important or Prominent Structures Of The Brain Linked Module: Adventures in Neuroanatomy: Divisions of the Nervous System Linked Module:  Divisions of the Brain
Linked Module:  Whole Brain Atlas Top 100 Brain Structures Linked Module: The Human Brain: Dissections of the Real Brain Linked Module: Anatomie Tronc Cérébral Linked Module : Canada’s first Brain Bank
Link : Définitions et généralités

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BRAIN
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

 

Here is a lateral view of the left side of a human brain.

On the basis of their phylogenetic and ontogenetic origin, neuroanatomists generally classify the structures of the brain as shown below, from the most evolved to the most primitive.

(Place your cursor over the name of each structure to see where it is located on the sagittal view of the brain).

Lien : Surface Anatomy of the Brain : View 1 Lien : Surface Anatomy of the Brain : View 2 Lien : Surface Anatomy of the Brain : View 3 Lien : Surface Anatomy of the Brain : View 4 Lien : Surface Anatomy of the Brain : View 5 Lien : Surface Anatomy of the Brain : View 6

 

Linked Module: The Limbic System Linked Module: The Limbic System Linked Module: The Limbic System History Module: The Quest for the “Emotional Brain”
Linked Module:  Physical Brain Link: The HOPES Brain Tutorial : Limbic System  

 

 

The structures listed below are often considered to constitute the limbic system. This system is involved in olfaction, emotions, learning, and memory. The limbic system was introduced as a concept by Paul MacLean in 1952 and was long considered the seat of the emotions. Though some of the structures included in this system are in fact involved in some emotional responses, we now know that it does not correspond exactly to any of the multiple emotional systems in the brain.

A- Corpus callosum

B- Olfactory tract

C- Mammillary bodies

D- Fornix

E- Anterior thalamic nuclei

F- Amygdala

G- Hippocampus

H- Parahippocampal gyrus

I- Cingulate gyrus

J- Hypothalamic nuclei

 


       
Linked Module : The Autonomic Nervous System Linked Module: Les différentes parties du système nerveux  

 

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
THE BRAIN

The autonomic nervous system is controlled mainly by the hypothalamus and is in turn divided into two sets of nerves: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Each of these two systems has a distinct anatomical location and communicates with its target organs through other neurons located in ganglia.

SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The sympathetic nervous system goes into action to prepare the organism for physical or mental activity. When the organism faces a major stressor, it is the sympathetic nervous system that orchestrates the fight-or-flight response. It dilates the bronchi and the pupils, accelerates heart rate and respiration, and increases perspiration and arterial blood pressure, but reduces digestive activity. Two neurotransmitters are primarily associated with this system: epinephrine and norepinephrine.

PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system causes a general slowdown in the body’s functions in order to conserve energy. Whatever was dilated, accelerated, or increased by the sympathetic nervous system is contracted, decelerated, or decreased by the parasympathetic nervous system. The only things that the parasympathetic nervous system augments are digestive functions and sexual appetite. One neurotransmitter is primarily associated with this system: acetylcholine.

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