Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls automatic body functions like breathing, heart rate and digestion
Cerebrum
The largest part of the brain; responsible for thinking, memory, senses and voluntary movement.
Midbrain
The upper part of the brainstem that controls vision, hearing, reflexes and some movement
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; connects the CNS to the body
Thalamus
A relay center in the brain that sends sensory information (touch, sight, hearing) to the correct parts of the cerebrum.
Brain
The control center of the nervous system that processes information and controls thoughts, emotions and actions
Diencephalon
A section of the brain located between the cerebrum and brain stem; contains structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Nerves
Bundles of neurons that carry signals between the brain/spinal cord and the rest of the body
Pons
A part of the brainstem that helps control breathing and connects different parts of the brain
Ventricles
Hollow spaces inside the brain that produce and store cerebrospinal fluid
Central nervous system (CNS)
Made up of the brain and spinal cord; it receives and processes information and sends out instructions
Hypothalamus
A part of the diencephalon that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, hormones and the sleep-wake cycle
Nervous system
The body's communication system, made of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, that control everything you do.
Somatic nervous system
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements, like moving your muscles
Cerebellum
The part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination and fine muscle movements
Medulla Oblongata
The lowest part of the brainstem; controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate and blood pressure
Neuron
A nerve cell that sends and receives electrical and chemical messages
Spinal cord
A long bundle of nerves inside the spine that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
A clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord protecting them and delivering nutrients
Meninges
Three protective layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that surround the brain and spinal cord
Parasympathetic
The "rest and digest" part of the autonomic nervous system; slows the heart rate and helps the body relax.
Sympathetic
The "fight or flight" system; speeds up the heart, increases alertness and prepares the body for action.