Key terms
autonomic nervous system
Contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work together to control involuntary body functions
cerebrum
The largest and highest section of the brain
midbrain
The section located between te cerebrum at the top of the brainstem
peripheral nervous sytem
Consists of the nerves and has two divisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system
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, or skull
diencephalon
The section located between the cerebrum and midbrain
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
ventricles
hollow spaces that connect with each other and with the space under the arachnoid membrane
central nervous system
Consists of the brain and spinal cord
hypothalamus
Regulates and controls the autonomic nervous system, temperature, appetite, water balance, sleep, and blood vessel constriction
nervous system
A complex, highly organized system that coordinates all the activities of the body
somatic nervous system
Carries messages between the CNS and the body
cerebellum
The section below the back of the cerebrum
medulla oblongata
The lowest part of the brainstem
neuron
The basic structural unit of the nervous system
spinal cord
Continues down from the medulla oblongata and ends at the first or second lumbar vertebrae
cerebrospinal fluid
This fluid circulates continually between the ventricles and through the subarachnoid space
meninges
Three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord
parasympathetic
Counteracts actions of the sympathetic system by slowing heart rate, decreasing respiration, lowering blood pressure, and increasing activity in the digestive tracts
sympathetic
prepares the body to act by increasing heart rate, respiration, asel and blood pressure, and by slowing activity in the digestive tract