Chapter 2 Flashcards
neurons within the brain and spinal cord; they communicate internally and process information between sensory inputs and motor outputs
interneurons
peripheral nervous system division that controls the body’s skeletal muscles
somatic nervous system
peripheral nervous system division that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (heart)
autonomic nervous system
autonomic nervous system subdivision that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy
sympathetic nervous system
autonomic nervous system subdivision that calms the body, conserving its energy
parasympathetic nervous system
a simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response
reflex
the body’s “slow: chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream
endocrine system
chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues
hormones
a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress
adrenal glands
the most influential endocrine gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, it regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.
pituitary gland
a device that uses electrodes placed on the scalp to record waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface
EEG
a brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity
MEG
a view of the brain activity showing where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
PET
a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. They show brain anatomy.
MRI
a technique revealing blood flow, and therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. They show brain function
fMRI
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing
medulla
the brain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; directs sensory messages to the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
thalamus
nerve network running through the brainstem and into the thalamus; plays and important role in controlling arousal
reticular formation
the “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory
cerebellum
neural system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) located below the cerebral hemispheres associated with emotions and drives.
limbic system
In the limbic system; linked to emotion
amygdala
a neural structure that directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature) helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland; linked with emotion and reward
hypothalamus
a thin layer of interconnected neurons covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center
cerebral cortex
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
frontal lobes
thee portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and towards the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position
parietal lobes
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields
occipital lobes
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes areas that receive information from the ears.
temporal lobes
the cerebral cortex area at the rear of the frontal lobes; controls voluntary movements.
motor cortex
the cerebral cortex area at the front of the parietal lobes; registers and processes body touch and movement sensations
somatosensory cortex
a false sensory experience, such as hearing something in the absence of external auditory stimulus.
hallucination