Structure & Function
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
What is the largest part of the brain?
Cerebrum
What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?
Cranial nerves and spinal nerves
What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
Neuron
What is inflammation of the meninges called?
Meningitis
What is the main function of the nervous system?
To coordinate and control body activities by transmitting electrical impulses
Which part of the brain regulates balance and coordination?
Cerebellum
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic
What is the gap between two neurons called?
Synapse
What degenerative disease is associated with memory loss and confusion?
Alzheimer’s disease
Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary actions?
Somatic nervous system
Which part of the brain controls heartbeat, breathing, and digestion?
Brainstem (medulla oblongata)
What is the main function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses
What chemical carries messages across a synapse?
Neurotransmitter
What is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain called?
Seizure (or epilepsy)
What are the three main functions of the nervous system?
Sensory input, integration, and motor output
What structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain?
Corpus callosum
What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Promotes “rest and digest” activities
What is the fatty substance that insulates the axon?
Myelin sheath
What is paralysis of one side of the body called?
Hemiplegia
What structure protects the brain and spinal cord?
Meninges (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) and cerebrospinal fluid
What is the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
To cushion, protect, and nourish the brain and spinal cord
What is the difference between sensory and motor neurons?
Sensory neurons carry impulses to the CNS; motor neurons carry impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands
In what direction does a nerve impulse travel through a neuron?
Dendrite → Cell body → Axon → Synapse
What disorder is caused by damage to the myelin sheath and affects nerve transmission?
Multiple sclerosis (MS)