Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
The part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiration, and glandular secretions. It is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Autonomic Nervous System
The largest part of the brain, consisting of two hemispheres. It is responsible for higher-order functions, including thought, language, memory, consciousness, and sensory processing
Cerebrum
The uppermost part of the brainstem, situated above the pons. It is involved in motor movement, particularly movements of the eye, and in auditory and visual processing.
Midbrain
The division of the nervous system that includes all the nerves and ganglia (clusters of neuron cell bodies) outside of the brain and spinal cord. It is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
Peripheral Nervous System
A large mass of gray matter in the diencephalon that acts as the principal relay station for sensory information (except smell) traveling to the cerebrum and motor information traveling out.
Thalamus
The mass of nerve tissue that is the main control center of the nervous system. It is located within the skull and is the primary component of the central nervous system, responsible for thought, memory, emotion, movement, and vital functions.
Brain
A structure of the brain located between the cerebrum and the midbrain. It primarily includes the thalamus and hypothalamus
Diencephalon
Bundles of axons (nerve fibers) that transmit electrochemical signals. They are the primary components of the peripheral nervous system, connecting the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
Nerves
The part of the brainstem located between the midbrain and the medulla oblongata. It acts as a bridge, relaying signals from the cerebrum to the cerebellum and controlling several functions including sleep, respiration, swallowing, and bladder control.
Pons
A system of four interconnected cavities deep within the brain. They produce and contain the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which flows from them to surround the brain and spinal cord.
Ventricles
The division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing, integrating, and coordinating sensory and motor information.
Central Nervous System
A small, but vital, region of the diencephalon below the thalamus. It is the main control center for the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, regulating functions like body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep cycles
Hypothalamus
The body's control and communication network, responsible for receiving sensory information, processing it, and coordinating the body's responses. It is divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
Nervous System
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary body movements by acting on skeletal muscles. It also includes the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory information (like touch, pain, and temperature) to the CNS.
Somatic Nervous System
A large structure located at the back of the brain, inferior to the cerebrum. Its primary function is to coordinate voluntary movements, posture, balance, and motor learning.
Cerebellum
The lowest part of the brainstem (which also includes the midbrain and pons). It controls crucial involuntary functions necessary for life, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Medulla Oblongata
The basic, functional cell of the nervous system. It specializes in receiving, processing, and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals
Neuron
A long, cylinder of nervous tissue that extends down from the medulla oblongata within the vertebral column. It is the major pathway for information traveling between the brain and the rest of the body, and it also mediates reflexes
Spinal Cord
A clear, colorless fluid that circulates in the ventricles of the brain and the space surrounding the brain and spinal cord (between the meninges). It provides cushioning, buoyancy, and transports nutrients and waste.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
The three layers of protective connective tissue membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater) that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system.
Meninges
The division of the autonomic nervous system often referred to as "rest and digest." It conserves energy and slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and glandular activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles after danger has passed
Parasympathetic
The division of the autonomic nervous system often referred to as "fight or flight." It prepares the body for stress or potential danger by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and diverting blood flow away from digestion.
Sympathetic