CNS structure function

Each of the TSE strains (whether inherited or contracted) result in different clinical expresson, timing and pathology.

In large part, the presentation of the disease relates to specific areas of the CNS affected.

From a gross anatomical perspective, there are several distinct regions of the human brain, each with interacting but distinct functions.

Some of the regions are shown on the figure below and generalized functions are listed in the table. The figure contains 3 sections: the largest central section showing the CNS as if looking throught the skin and skull, the left lower section showing some of the functions associated with the major regions of the brain, and the right lower section showing some fo the features of the brain as if cut in half thus viewing the center of the CNS from the side.

The table below the figure gives a little more detail of the function of various brain parts.

Region	Function(s)
Cerebrum
Frontal Lobe	the primary motor cortex of the frontal lobe controls movement of the body parts the prefrontal cortex has an important part in memory, concentration, temper, intelligence and personality the premotor cortex is beside the primary motor cortex and guides our eye and head movements and sense of orientation Broca's area is important in language production
Occipital Lobe	contains the visual cortex the right side of the brain 'sees' the left visual space, whereas the left side of the brain 'sees' the right visual space the visual cortex aides in the recognition of visual objects
Temporal Lobes	contains the auditory cortex helps that receives signals from the ear and lets us hear sounds and associate meanings with sounds responsible for memory the Wernicke's area is important for language and speech
Parietal Lobes	coordinates signals received from other brain resgions to interpret sensory signals coordination of visual, auditory, motor and sensory signals along with memory helps to identify objects
Cerebellum	important in refining movements, balance, equilibruim and posture controls muscle tone and body position tumors or lesions here may cause jerky movemen
Brain Stem	relay station connecting much of the body (via the spinal cord) to the cerebrum considered a 'primitive' structure of the brain together with the thalamus control wakefulness, attentiveness and sleep pattern Midbrain ocular motion Pons eye and facial movements facial sensaton hearing balance Medulla oblongata breathing blood pressure heart rhythms swallowing
Pituitary Gland	the 'Master gland', responsible for secreting numerous hormones growth hormone (GH, somatotropin) luteinizing hormone (LH) prolactin (PRL) adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) antidiuretic hormone (ADH) oxytocin isolation of hormones from this gland (which is in part an extention of the brain) and subsequent injection into humans was responsible for an outbreat of iatrogenic CJD
Hypothalamus	helps to control the pituitary gland and thus hormone secretion controls eating behavior, sexual behavior, sleeping and body temperature
Pineal Gland	its function in humans is still unclear but may aid in dark light responses and cycles
Thalamus	relay station for pain sensation and alertness
Spinal Cord	the spinal cord receives information from skin, joints, and muscles sends back signals for both voluntary and reflex movements transmits signals from internal organs to the brain and from the brain to internal organs connects the brain to peripheral organs and tissue in addition, the spinal cord contains ascending pathways through which sensory information reaches the brain descending pathways that relay motor commands from the brain to motor neurons