ch 3 initiating behavior Flashcards
central nervous system
brain and spinal cord. acts as central executive of the body. decisions made here and messages communicated to the rest of the body
peripheral nervous system
nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
nerves
bundles of axons that make up neural “transmission cables”
somatic system
collection of nerves that transmits information toward the brain and connects to the skeletal muscles to initiate movement; part of the peripheral nervous system
autonomic system
collection of nerves that controls the more automatic needs of the body (heart rate, digestion, blood pressure); part of the peripheral nervous system
sympathetic division of the autonomic system
triggers release of chemicals creating state of readiness
parasympathetic division of the autonomic system
calms the body down after emergency has passed
electroencephalograph (EEG)
monitors the gross electrical activity of the brain with recording electrodes attached to the scalp
computerized tomography scan (CT scan)
three dimensional picture of the brain
positron emission tomography (PET)
patient ingests a harmless radioactive substance
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
three dimensional image of the brain, maps changes in blood flow or oxygen
hindbrain
primitive part of the brain that sits at the juncture point where the brain and spinal cord merge. the medulla, pons, and reticular formation (all located here) act as the basic life-support system for the body
medulla and pons
in hindbrain; control heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and reflexes. pathway for neural impulses traveling to and from spinal cord
reticular formation
in hindbrain: network of neurons and nerves linked to the control of general arousal, sleep and consciousness
cerebellum
in hindbrain; involved in coordination of complex motor skills
