Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
autonamic nervous system
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing, and glandular secretions.
Brain:
The central organ of the nervous system, located in the skull. It's responsible for processing sensory information, controlling motor functions, and housing complex functions like thought, memory, and emotion.
Central nervous system
The division of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. It acts as the primary control center, processing information and coordinating all bodily activities.
Cerebellum:
A structure located at the back of the brain, beneath the cerebrum. Its main role is to coordinate voluntary movements, balance, and posture.
Cerebrospinal fluid
A clear, protective fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a cushion against impact, provides nutrients, and removes waste products.
Cerebrum:
The largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres (left and right). It's responsible for higher-level functions, including conscious thought, language, memory, and voluntary movement.
Diencephalon:
A region at the core of the brain, situated between the cerebrum and the brainstem. It primarily contains the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus:
A small structure in the diencephalon that links the nervous system to the endocrine system. It regulates essential functions like body temperature, hunger, thirst, and the sleep-wake cycle.
Medulla oblongata
The lowest part of the brainstem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord. It controls vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Meninges:
The three layers of protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. From outside to in, they are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
Midbrain:
A part of the brainstem that connects the forebrain (cerebrum, diencephalon) to the hindbrain (pons, cerebellum, medulla). It's involved in motor control, vision, and hearing.
Nerves
Bundles of fibers (axons) from neurons that transmit electrical signals (nerve impulses) between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
Nervous system:
The entire network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits signals throughout the body. It's broadly divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Neuron:
The basic working unit of the nervous system. It's a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscles, or glands.
Parasympathetic
A division of the autonomic nervous system. It's responsible for the "rest and digest" response, calming the body and conserving energy.
Peripheral nervous system
The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. It consists of the nerves that connect the CNS to the limbs and organs.
Pons
A part of the brainstem located above the medulla. It acts as a "bridge," relaying signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum, and is involved in sleep, respiration, and facial sensation.
Somatic nervous system
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements and relays sensory information (like touch, pain, and temperature) to the CNS.
Spinal cord:
A long, thin bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem down the back. It transmits signals between the brain and the body and controls many reflex actions.
Sympathetic
A division of the autonomic nervous system. It's responsible for the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for stress or emergency.
Thalamus:
A large structure in the diencephalon that acts as a central relay station for sensory information (except smell), sending it to the cerebral cortex for processing.
Ventricles
A system of four interconnected cavities (spaces) within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).