chap 6 Flashcards
central nervous system (CNS)
the brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
nerves branching beyond the spinal cord into the body
Neurons
the long, thin cells of nerve tissue along which messages travel to and from the brain
Synapse
space/junction/connection between neurons
Neurotransmitters
the chemicals released by neurons, which determine the rate at which other neurons fire
somatic nervous system (SNS)
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls internal biological functions
Dendrites
(antennae) short, thin fibers that protrude from the cell body that receive impulses, or messages, from other neurons
Cell body
integrates the signals from other cells and provides metabolic support for the cell
Axon
(arm) reaches to distant areas of the nervous system and delivers impulses to other parts of the body
Axon terminals
(fingers) release neurotransmitters to stimulate dendrites of the next neuron
Afferent /sensory neurons
ascending tract: carry impulses from organs to brain
Efferent /motor neurons
descending tracts: carry motor impulses from brian
Interneurons neurons
process signals connecting only to other neurons
Hindbrain
(basement/foundation) part of the brain located at the rear base of the skull that is involved in the basic processes of life
Midbrain
a small part of the brain above the pons that arouses the brain, integrates sensory information, and relays it upward
Forebrain
part of the brain that covers the brain’s central core, responsible for sensory and motor control and the processing of thinking and language
Lobes
the different regions into which the cerebral cortex is divided
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
a machine used to record the electrical activity of large portions of the brain
Computerized axial tomography
(CT) - an imaging technique used to study the brain to pinpoint injuries and brain deterioration
Positron emission tomography
(PET) - an imaging technique used to see which brain areas are being activated while performing tasks
Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) - a measuring technique used to study brain structure and activity
endocrine system
a chemical communication system using to carry messages through the body
hormones
chemical substances that carry messages through the body in the blood
