Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work together to control involuntary body functions.
cerebrum
the largest and highest section of the brain
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
peripheral nervous system
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves and has two divisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
thalamus
The thalamus acts as a relay center and directs sensory impulses to the cerebrum. It also allows conscious recognition of pain and temperature.
brain
The brain is a mass of nerve tissue well protected ne by membranes and the cranium, or skull.
diencephalon
the section located between the cerebrum and midbrain. It contains two structures: the thalamus and hypothalamus.
nerves
Nerves are a combination of many nerve fibers located outside the brain and spinal cord.
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.
ventricles
The brain has four ventricles, hollow spaces that connect with each other and with the space under the arachnoid membrane (the subarachnoid space). The ventricles are filled with a clear, colorless fluid called cerebrospinal fluid.
central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.
hypothalamus
The hypothalamus regulates and controls the autonomic nervous system and involved in emotions.
nervous system
The nervous system is 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.
somatic nervous system:
The somatic nervous system carries messages between the CNS and the body.
cerebellum
the section below the back of the cerebrum. It is responsible for muscle coordination, balance, posture, and muscle tone.
medulla oblongata
the lowest part of the brainstem. Connects the spinal cord
neuron
The basic structural unit of the nervous system is the neuron, or nerve cell.
spinal cord
It is surrounded and protected by the vertebrae. The spinal cord is responsible for many reflex actions and for carrying sensory messages up to the brain and motor messages from the brain to the nerves that go to the muscles and glands.
cerebrospinal fluid
This fluid that serves as a shock absorber to protect the brain and spinal cord. It also carries nutrients to some parts of the brain and spinal cord and helps remove metabolic products and wastes.
meninges
The meninges are three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
parasympathetic
After the emergency, the parasympathetic nervous system counteracts the actions of the sympathetic system by slowing heart rate, decreasing t respiration, lowering blood pressure, and increasing activity in the digestive tracts
sympathetic
In times of emergency, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to act by increasing heart rate, respiration,ase! and blood pressure, and by slowing activity in the digestive tract. This is known as the fight or flight response.