Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
autonomic nervous system-
A division of the peripheral nervous system that contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work together to control involuntary body functions.
. Brain-
a mass of nerve tissue well protected by membranes and the cranium, or skull
central nervous system-
consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum-
the section below the back of the cerebrum. It is responsible for muscle coordination, balance, posture, and muscle tone.
cerebrospinal fluid-
clear, colorless fluid
. Cerebrum-
the largest and highest section of the brain... responsible for reasoning, thought, memory, judgment, speech, sensation, sight, smell, hearing, and voluntary body movement.
Diencephalon-
the section located between the cerebrum and midbrain. It contains two structures: the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus-
structure in the diencephalon that regulates and controls the autonomic nervous system, temperature, appetite, water balance, sleep, and blood vessel constriction and dilation.
medulla oblongata-
the lowest part of the brainstem. It 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 and spinal cord.
Midbrain-
the section located below the cerebrum at the top of the brainstem. It is responsible for conducting impulses between brain parts and for certain eye and auditory reflexes.
Nerves-
a combination of many nerve fibers located outside the brain and spinal cord.
nervous system-
a complex, highly organized system that coordinates all the activities of the body. This system enables the body to respond and adapt to changes that occur both inside and outside the body
Neuron-
The basic structural unit of the nervous system... or nerve cell.
parasympathetic -
A division of the autonomic nervous system that counteracts the actions of the sympathetic system by slowing heart rate, decreasing respiration, lowering blood pressure, and increasing activity in the digestive tract.
peripheral nervous system-
consists of the nerves and has two divisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
Pons-
the section located below the midbrain and in the brainstem. It is responsible for conducting messages to other parts of the brain; for certain reflex actions including chewing, tasting, and saliva production; and for assisting with respiration.
somatic nervous system-
A division of the peripheral nervous system that carries messages between the CNS and the body and consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves... and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
spinal cord-
continues down from the medulla oblongata
Sympathetic-
A division of the autonomic nervous system that, in times of emergency... prepares the body to act by increasing heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, and by slowing activity in the digestive tract.
Thalamus-
A structure in the diencephalon that acts as a relay center and directs sensory impulses to the cerebrum. It also allows conscious recognition of pain and temperature.
Ventricles-
hollow spaces in the brain that "connect with each other and with the space under the arachnoid membrane (the subarachnoid space)" and are "filled with... cerebrospinal fluid.