Body and Behavior Flashcards
Central Nervous System
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System
Smaller branches of nerves that reach the other parts of the body, conducts information from the bodily organs to the CNS
Neurons
Sends messages to and from the brain
Synapse
The space between neurons that is a junction or connection between them
Neurotransmitters
The chemicals released by neurons, which determines the rate at which other neurons fire
Somatic Nervous System
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
Autonomic Nervous System
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls internal biological functions
Sympathetic Nervous System
Prepares the body for dealing with emergencies or strenuous activity
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Works to conserve energy and to enhance the body’s ability to recover from strenuous activity
Axon
This part of the neuron sends messages to other neurons
Cell body
This part of the neuron contains chromosomes and genes
Dendrite
This part of the neuron receives the nerve impulses from another neuron
Motor neuron
This neuron sends messages from the brain to muscles and glands. It is involved with running and jumping
Sensory neuron
This neuron sends impulses toward the brain from the sense organs and is concerned with seeing, hearing, tasting and smelling
HINDBRAIN
a part of the brain located at the rear base of the skull that is involved in the basic processes of life
Medulla Oblongata
controls breathing, heart rate, and a variety of reflexe
Pons
a bridge between the spinal cord and the brain. It is also involved in producing chemicals the body needs for sleep
Cerebellum
helps control posture and balance and voluntary movements
MIDBRAIN
a small part of the brain above the pons that integrates sensory information and relays it upward
Reticular Activating System
alerts the rest of the brain to incoming signals and is involved in the sleep/wake cycle
FOREBRAIN
a part of the brain that covers the brain’s central core
Thalamus
integrates sensory input with the exception of smell
Hypothalamus
controls functions such as hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior. Also the body’s reactions to changes in temperature.
Cerebral Cortex
allows us to see, read, and understand sentences
