Ch. 7.6 Nervous System Key Terms
autonamic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system is a specialized part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates the function of internal organs such as the heart and blood vessels, the digestive system, and the glands.
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest and most superior part of the brain
Midbrain
The brain stem is composed of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.
peripheral nervous sytem
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord
Thalamus
The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory impulses traveling to the cerebrum
brain
The brain and the spinal cord together make up the central nervous system
Diencephalon
The main parts of the brain are the cerebrum, the diencephalon, the cerebellum, and the brain stem
Nerves
Nerves are bundles of nerve fibers, composed of axons and dendrites, that conduct impulses to and from the CNS
Pons
The brain stem is composed of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata
Ventricles
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the pia mater and the arachnoid membrane, and also fills the ventricles inside the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord
central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) is where the information is processed, integrated, and interpreted
Hypothalamus
The diencephalon contains the thalamus and the hypothalamus
nervous system
The nervous system is a complex, highly organized system that monitors internal and external environments, directs the body's activities, and is responsible for coordinating all the body's functions
somatic nervous system
The somatic nervous system (SNS) controls the voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles and provides sensory information to the CNS from the senses
Cerebellum
The main parts of the brain are the cerebrum, the diencephalon, the cerebellum, and the brain stem
medulla oblongata
The brain stem is composed of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.
Neuron
The neuron is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system
spinal cord
The spinal cord extends from the medulla oblongata to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra
cerebrospinal fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the pia mater and the arachnoid membrane, and also fills the ventricles inside the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord
Meninges
Both the brain and the spinal cord are covered by membranes called the meninges.
parasympathetic
The parasympathetic division is often called the 'rest and digest' system
Sympathetic
The sympathetic division is often called the 'fight or flight' system.