Complete the following crossword to review the components of the central & peripheral nervous system… Across 1. System responsible for involuntary control 7. Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for auditory reception 9. The largest part of the brain; divided into four lobes 12. Part of the ANS responsible for the ‘rest & digest’ response 13. Lobe of the cerebrum that controls coordination and decision making 14. Area of the brain responsible for language production 16. Area of the brain responsible for language comprehension 18. Part of the ANS responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response 20. Lobe of the cerebrum associated with the interpretation of visual info. 21. System responsible for voluntary control 22. Relay center for sensory info & cerebrum Down 2. Connects the left & right hemispheres of the brain 3. Part of the nervous system composed of the brain & spinal cord 4. Controls involuntary muscle action, breathing, and heart rate 5. Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for processing information about touch 6. Part of the nervous system composed of somatic & autonomic divisions 8. Gland responsible for hormone release 10. Involved in emotion & aggression 11. Regulates internal equilibrium 15. Regulates balance and limb movements 17. Tough protective membrane that surrounds the brain 19. Relay center for cerebellum & medulla, regulates sleep
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Across
- Autonomic – System responsible for involuntary control
- Temporal – Lobe responsible for auditory reception
- Cerebrum – Largest part of the brain, four lobes
- Parasympathetic – ANS part for ‘rest & digest’
- Frontal – Lobe for decision making and coordination
- Broca – Brain area for language production
- Wernicke – Area for language comprehension
- Sympathetic – ANS part for ‘fight or flight’
- Occipital – Lobe for interpreting visual info
- Somatic – System responsible for voluntary control
- Thalamus – Relay center for sensory info
Down
- Corpus Callosum – Connects brain hemispheres
- Central – Nervous system made of brain and spinal cord
- Medulla – Controls breathing, heart rate, etc.
- Parietal – Lobe for touch info
- Peripheral – System made of somatic and autonomic divisions
- Pituitary – Gland that releases hormones
- Amygdala – Involved in emotion and aggression
- Hypothalamus – Regulates homeostasis
- Cerebellum – Regulates balance and movement
- Meninges – Protective membrane around the brain
- Pons – Relay center that also regulates sleep
Explanation
The central and peripheral nervous systems play vital roles in controlling and coordinating the body’s activities. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for processing and sending out information. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all neural elements outside the CNS and is divided into the somatic (voluntary control of muscles) and autonomic systems (involuntary actions).
The autonomic nervous system further splits into the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems. Structures like the medulla oblongata and pons are part of the brainstem and control vital involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and sleep regulation.
Different lobes of the cerebrum have distinct functions: the frontal lobe is associated with decision-making and motor control, temporal with auditory processing, parietal with touch and spatial processing, and occipital with vision. Key language areas include Broca’s area (speech production) and Wernicke’s area (language comprehension).
Connections within the brain are vital: the corpus callosum allows communication between hemispheres, while the thalamus acts as a relay for sensory input. The cerebellum helps coordinate movement and balance, and the hypothalamus maintains homeostasis, often working with the pituitary gland for hormone regulation. Lastly, meninges provide structural protection to the CNS.
This crossword serves as an excellent review of neuroanatomy, linking structure with function in an interactive way.Tools
