Outcome

After completing this exercise, students will be able to:

• differentiate between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system • describe the two main structures of the central nervous system • describe the various structures and functions of the cerebral cortex.

Instructions

We know the brain is composed of left and right hemispheres that are connected via the corpus callosum. We also know that severing the corpus callosum interrupts internal communication between the two hemispheres. Though rare, such severing is surgically performed in order to control intractable epilepsy. Interruption of the corpus callosum can also occur developmentally. This syndrome is called agenesis of the corpus callosum and is so named because the corpus callosum does not develop.

1. Given that the corpus callosum is the main communication path between the two hemispheres, what do you think are the consequences of agenesis of the corpus callosum?

2. Would there be behavioral changes? Why or why not?

3. What about cognitive changes?

4. The hemispheres must communicate somehow, but how?

5. Now that you've described the brain in great detail, where does this fit into the overall scheme of things?

6. What is the central nervous system (CNS)? How do the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum interact to create the central nervous system?

7. What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

8. How does do the CNS and PNS interact?