Discuss the Nervous system in human and how it affects the behaviour of human - Essay Example

In this paper we will discuss the structure and functionality of this magical machine. We will also discuss how it controls the human behavior. The central nervous system consists of brain (Fig 3) and spinal cord, which are both protected in three ways. Cranium, which is a part of skull, protects the brain and neural arches of vertebrae column protect the spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord are also protected by triple layers of meninges. The cerebrospinal fluid, similar in composition to blood plasma, bathes the neurons of brain and spinal cord and it cushions against the bumps and jolts.

Both brain and spinal cord are hollow. The spinal cord has central canal and brain has many cavities filled by CSF, which is also present between the meninges. The brain can be divided into forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Forebrain is further divided into three functional parts, the thalamus, the limbic system, and the cerebrum. Thalamus carries sensory information to the limbic system and cerebrum. The information includes sensory input from auditory and visual pathways, from the skin and from within the body.

The limbic system is located in an arc between the thalamus and cerebrum. Limbic system works together to produce human’s most basic and primitive emotions, drives, and behaviors, including fear, rage, tranquility, hunger, thirst, pleasure and sexual responses. Portion of limbic system is also important in the formation of memories. The limbic system consists of hypothalamus, the amygdale, and hippocampus, as well as nearby regions of cerebrum. The hypothalamus through its hormone production and neural connections acts as a major coordinating centre controlling body temperature.

Hunger, the menstrual cycle, water balance, the sleep-wake cycle etc. Hippocampus plays an important role in the formation of long term memory, and thus is required for learning. Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is divided into