Chapter 07 Key Terms
Your body's "automatic" control system. It manages things you don't consciously think about, like your heart rate, breathing, digestion, and sweating.
autonomic nervous system
The largest, wrinkly, outer part of the brain. This is where high-level "thinking" happens, including your thoughts, personality, senses, language, and voluntary movements.
cerebrum
The top part of the brainstem. It helps control eye movement and processes visual and auditory information.
midbrain
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Its job is to connect the central nervous system to your limbs, organs, and skin.
peripheral nervous system
The brain's main relay station. Almost all sensory information (sight, sound, touch) passes through the thalamus before being sent to the cerebrum for processing.
thalamus
The command center for your entire body. It controls thoughts, memory, emotions, senses, movement, and all your body's functions.
brain
A small area deep in the center of the brain that acts as a major relay and control station. It contains the thalamus and hypothalamus.
diencephalon
Bundles of fibers (made of neurons) that act like "wires" transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.
nerves
The middle part of the brainstem (it looks like a bulge). It's involved in sleep, breathing, facial expressions, and serves as a bridge for signals between different parts of the brain.
pons
A set of connected, hollow spaces (like small caverns) deep inside the brain. They are where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and circulated.
ventricles
The main processing center. It consists of only two parts: the brain and the spinal cord.
central nervous system
A tiny but vital part of the brain (below the thalamus). It's the master regulator for things like body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and mood. It also controls the body's hormones.
hypothalamus
The body's complete communication network. It's made of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) and the Peripheral Nervous System (all other nerves).
nervous system
The part of your nervous system that you control voluntarily. It's responsible for moving your muscles (like walking or picking something up) and processing senses like touch, sight, and sound.
somatic nervous system
Located at the back of the brain under the cerebrum. Its main job is to control balance, coordination, and smooth muscle movements.
cerebellum
The bottom part of the brainstem, connecting directly to the spinal cord. It controls the most critical automatic functions: breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
medulla oblongata
The basic nerve cell. It's the building block of the nervous system that sends and receives electrical and chemical signals.
neuron
A long, thick bundle of nerves that runs from your brain down your back. It acts as the main information highway between your brain and the rest of your body.
spinal cord
A clear, watery fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, protecting them from impact. It also delivers nutrients and removes waste.
cerebrospinal fluid
Three layers of tough protective membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord (they sit just inside the skull and spine).
meninges
Your "rest and digest" system. It calms your body down after danger has passed. It slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, and helps with digestion.
parasympathetic
Your "fight or flight" system. It kicks in during stress, danger, or excitement. It speeds up your heart rate, increases your awareness, and gets your body ready for intense action.
sympathetic