CH. 07.6 KEY TERMS
autonomic nervous system
contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
cerebrum
the largest and highest section of the brain
midbrain
The section located below the cerebrum at the top of the brainstem. It conducts impulses between the brain parts, and for certain eye and auditory reflexes
peripheral nervous system
consists of the nerves that are split into two divisions: somatic and autonomic
thalamus
acts as a relay center and directs sensory impulses to the cerebrum.
brain
a mass of nerve tissue well protected by membranes and the cranium
diencephalon
the section located between the cerebrum and midbrain containing the thalamus and hypothalamus
nerves
a combination of many nerve fibers located outside the brain and spinal cord
pons
the section located below the midbrain and in the brainstem. It conducts messages to other parts of the brain and reflex actions.
ventricles
hollow spaces that connect with each other and with the space under the arachnoid membrane (the subaracnnoid space).
central nervous system
consists of the brain and the spinal cord
hypothalamus
regulates and controls the autonomic nervous system, temperature, appetite, water balance, sleep, blood vessel constriction, and dilation.
nervous system
a complex, highly organized system that coordinates all the activities of the body
somatic nervous system
carries messages between the central nervous system and the body
cerebellum
the section below the back of the cerebrum responsible for muscle coordination, balance, posture, and muscle tone
medulla oblongata
The lowest part of the brainstem connects with the spinal cord. It is responsible for regulating heartbeat, respiration, swallowing, coughing, and blood pressure.
neuron
a nerve cell that consists of a cell body containing a nucleus
spinal cord
responsible for many reflex actions and carrying sensory messages up to the brain
cerebrospinal fluid
ventricles filled with a clear, colorless fluid. It circulates continually between the ventricles and through the subarachnoid space.
meninges
three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
parasympathetic
counteracts the actions of the sympathetic system by slowing heart rate, decreasing respiration, lowering blood pressure, and increasing activity in the digestive tract.
sympathetic
prepares the body to act by increasing heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, and by slowing activity in the digestive tract.