PS102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Somatic Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Reticular Formation
Document Summary
The poison curare blocks acetylcholine receptors, causing paralysis and death. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) such as prozac are used to treat depression. Refer to model 2. 1 the neurons and neurotransmitters. Central nervous system: brain, spinal cord. Peripheral nervous system: autonomic nervous system. 3 major sections: hindbrain cerebellum, medulla, pons, midbrain reticular formation, forebrain cerebral hemispheres. Medulla: closest to the spinal cord, controls vital bodily function such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, circulation, coughing and swallowing. Cerebellum: deep convolutions, controls bodily balance and muscular coordination, integrates information from muscles, tendons and joints. Pons: functions as a relay mechanism, assists in control of movement. Example of transected cat: loss of muscle control and inability to balance. Contains several neural centers that control some motor reaction and some sensory functions. Integration of sensory processes: limited auditory and visual functions. Reticular formation: regulates attention and alertness (sleep and arousal) Largest and most complex region: thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cerebrum.
