Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
Autonomic Nervous System
Consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system which work to control involuntary body functions
Brain
Mass of nerve tissue well protected by membranes and the cranium
Central Nervous System
System consisting of the brain and the spinal cord
Cerebellum
Section below the back of the cerebrum; responsible for muscle coordination, balance, posture, and muscle tone
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Fluid in the ventricles that circulates continually between the ventricles and through the subarachnoid space; serves as shock absorber to protect the brain and spinal cord
Cerebrum
Highest and largest section of the brain; responsible for reasoning, thought, memory, judgement, speech, sensation, sight, smell, hearing, and voluntary body movement
Diaencephalon
Section located between cerebrum and midbrain; contains thalamus and hypothalamus
Hypothalamus
Regulates and controls the autonomic nervous system, temperature, appetite, water balance, sleep, and blood vessel constriction; part of the diencephalon
Medulla Oblongata
Lowest part of the brainstem; connects with the spinal cord and is responsible for regulating heartbeat, respiration, swallowing, coughing, and blood pressure
Meninges
Three membranes that cover and protect the brain/spinal cord
Midbrain
Section below cerebrum at the top of the brainstem; responsible for conducting
Nerves
Combination of many nerves fibers located outside brain and spinal cord
Nervous System
Complex highly organized system that coordinates all bodily activities
Neuron
Nerve cell
Parasympathetic
After emergency, system counteracts actions of the sympathetic system by slowing heart rate, decreasing respiration, lowering blood pressure, increasing activity in the digestive tract; part of the autonomic nervous system
Peripheral Nervous System
Consists of the nerves and has the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system
Pons
Section located below the midbrain and in the brainstem; responsible for conducting messages to other parts of the brain; for certain reflex actions including chewing, tasting, and saliva production; assists respiration
Somatic Nervous System
Carries messages between the CNS (central nervous system) and the body
Spinal Cord
Continues down from the medulla oblongata and ends in the first or second lumbar vertebrae; responsible for many reflex actions and carrying sensory messages up to the brain and motor messages from the brain to the nerves that go to the muscles and glands
Sympathetic
Part of the autonomic nervous system; in emergencies, system prepares the body to act by increasing heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and slowing activity in the digestive tract
Thalamus
Acts as a relay center; directs sensory impulses and midbrain; allows conscious recognition of pain and temperature
Ventricles
Brain has four; hollow spaces that connect with each other with the space under the arachnoid membrane