Neuroanatomy of the brain
The brain has many functions and is the most cellularly diverse part of the body, some basic
brain functions include:
• Thermoregulation
• Eating/Drinking
• Circadian rhythms
• Autonomic function
• Sexual function
• Coordinated skeletal control
• Vital reflexes
The brain must be viewed as an integral part of the nervous system. The brains function in
the PNS is to relay information from the periphery environment to the CNS and relay motor
output to muscles. When acting in the CNS it is used to process information from the PNS to
produce an appropriate response. The nervous system can be divided into sections.
The central nervous system is enclosed by 3 membranes (meninges), Dura (outer),
Arachnoid (middle) and Pia matter (inner). The brain can be divided into 7 sections:
1. Spinal cord
2. Medulla (Oblongata)
3. Pons
4. Midbrain
5. Cerebellum
6. Diencephalon
7. Telencephalon
The spinal cord receives and processes sensory information which is subsequently relayed
towards the brain. It controls movement of the limbs and trunk via motor output.
The brain has many functions and is the most cellularly diverse part of the body, some basic
brain functions include:
• Thermoregulation
• Eating/Drinking
• Circadian rhythms
• Autonomic function
• Sexual function
• Coordinated skeletal control
• Vital reflexes
The brain must be viewed as an integral part of the nervous system. The brains function in
the PNS is to relay information from the periphery environment to the CNS and relay motor
output to muscles. When acting in the CNS it is used to process information from the PNS to
produce an appropriate response. The nervous system can be divided into sections.
The central nervous system is enclosed by 3 membranes (meninges), Dura (outer),
Arachnoid (middle) and Pia matter (inner). The brain can be divided into 7 sections:
1. Spinal cord
2. Medulla (Oblongata)
3. Pons
4. Midbrain
5. Cerebellum
6. Diencephalon
7. Telencephalon
The spinal cord receives and processes sensory information which is subsequently relayed
towards the brain. It controls movement of the limbs and trunk via motor output.
