Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
autonomic nervous system
The part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions .
cerebrum
The largest part of the brain; responsible for thought, language, and voluntary action.
midbrain
The uppermost part of the brainstem, involved in processing visual and auditory information.
peripheral nervous system
The nerves and ganglia outside the CNS that connect it to the rest of the body.
thalamus
The brain structure that serves as the main sensory relay station to the cerebrum.
Brain
The control center of the nervous system, located in the skull.
diencephalon
A deep brain region containing the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Nerves
Bundles of axons in the PNS that transmit impulses.
pons
A part of the brainstem that acts as a bridge for signals and helps regulate breathing.
ventricles
Interconnected cavities in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced and circulated.
central nervous system
The major control center, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
hypothalamus
A small brain region that controls the pituitary gland and regulates basic drives (hunger, thirst, temperature).
nervous system
The body's entire communication network, divided into the CNS and PNS.
somatic nervous system
The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles.
cerebellum
The brain structure responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, balance, and posture.
medulla oblongata
The lowest part of the brainstem that controls vital involuntary functions (heart rate, breathing).
neuron
The basic functional cell of the nervous system (a nerve cell) that transmits signals.
spinal cord
A bundle of nerve tissue that extends from the brain, serving as the main signal pathway between the brain and body.
cerebrospinal fluid
A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and transports nutrients.
Meninges
The three protective layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
parasympathetic
The division of the ANS that promotes "rest-and-digest" functions.
sympathetic
The division of the ANS that activates the "fight-or-flight" response.