![]() In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the crucial role of the thalamus and hypothalamus in emotional activities. It is also actively involved in the functioning of the endocrine glands. The essential function of the thalamic system is that of relaying nerve messages to the higher and the lower centres. Together they constitute the thalamic system. These are centres located above the medulla and below the brain. In addition, it also controls the activities of the autonomic nervous system which is concerned with the vegetative and emergency functions. The medulla essentially controls the process of the transmission of nerve impulses from the lower regions to the other parts of the brain. It is that part of the central nervous system which connects the spinal cord and the spinal system with the higher regions of the body. The spinal cord is essentially concerned with the maintenance of reflex actions. These are called the spinal nerves and are of two types-receptors and effectors. ![]() From the spinal cord nerves run to all parts of the body. A cross-section of the spinal cord shows that its outer or peripheral regions are made of white fibres and the central regions of grey fibres. This refers to the long, thread-like collection of nerve fibres which runs along the full length of the body from the back of the brain through the entire spine. We may briefly consider each one of these parts: Further, the different parts of the brain work in the form of coordinated functional systems rather than as individual parts. But at the same time, they function in an integrated manner in complex human actions. Different parts of the central nervous system are responsible for different functions. The other parts are more or less well developed even at the level of the lower animals. The cerebrum is known as the new brain because biologically it is the last to evolve and at the human level it is the most important part of the brain. The brain, in turn, includes the cerebrum or the new brain, the cerebellum, the thalamus and the medulla oblongata or the brain-stem. It broadly includes the brain and the spinal cord. This takes us to a consideration of the structure of the central nervous system. ![]() It also controls learning, memory, emotional responses, thinking and even complex physiological activities. In fact, all complex actions which involve coordination and organisation of the activities of different parts of the body and which depend on learning are organised and maintained by the higher centres of the central nervous system. But there are some other types of reflex actions or reflex responses exhibited by organisms which are acquired through experiences and are known as conditioned reflexes.Ĭonditioned reflexes, however, are coordinated and maintained by the cerebral cortex which is the highest centre of the nervous system. Such behaviour is automatic and occurs without the awareness of the organism. The most elementary form of behaviour (reflex action) is coordinated and organised by the spinal cord which is a part of the central nervous system. After reading this article you will learn about the role of central nervous system in behaviour of an individual.
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