Chapter 2

Question 1

Nervous system

Answer 1

The system of the body responsible for the transmission of information from the brain to the rest of the body and from the rest of the body to the brain; it is composed of the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (which consists of the remainder of the nerves in the body).

Question 2

Sympathetic nervous system (catabolic system)

Answer 2

The part of the nervous system that mobilizes the body for action; it plays an important role in reactions to stress.

Question 3

Parasympathetic nervous system (anabolic system)

Answer 3

The part of the nervous system that controls the activities of organs under normal circumstances and acts antagonistically to the sympathetic nervous system; when an emergency has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to a normal state.

Question 4

What are the three main parts of the hindbrain?

Answer 4

1. Medulla
2. Pons
3. Cerebellum

Question 5

Medulla

Answer 5

The part of the brain that regulates heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, and rate of breathing.

Question 6

Pons

Answer 6

The link between the hindbrain and the midbrain; it helps control respiration.

Question 7

What are the two main parts of the forebrain?

Answer 7

1. The diencephalon
2. The telencephalon

Question 8

What are the two main parts of the diencephalon?

Answer 8

1. Thalamus
2. Hypothalamus

Question 9

Thalamus

Answer 9

The portion of the forebrain responsible for the recognition of sensory stimuli and the relay of sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex.

Question 10

Hypothalamus

Answer 10

The part of the forebrain that helps regulate the centres in the medulla that control cardiac functioning, blood pressure, and respiration; it is also responsible for regulating water balance in the body and for regulating appetites, including hunger and sexual desire.

Question 11

What are the two main parts of the telencephalon?

Answer 11

1. Left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex
2. Right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex

Question 12

Cerebral cortex

Answer 12

The largest portion of the brain; involved in higher-order intelligence, memory, and personality.

Question 13

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 13

1. Frontal
2. Parietal
3. Temporal
4. Occipital

Question 14

Neurotransmitters

Answer 14

Chemicals that regulate nervous system functioning.

Question 15

Catecholamines

Answer 15

The neurotransmitters, epinephrine and norepinephrine, that promote sympathetic nervous system activity; they enter the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body promoting the activity of sympathetic stimulation.

Question 16

Endocrine system

Answer 16

A bodily system of ductless glands that secrete hormones into the blood to stimulate target organs; interacts with nervous system functioning.

Question 17

Pituitary gland

Answer 17

A gland located at the base of and controlled by the brain that secretes the hormones responsible for growth and organ development.

Question 18

Adrenal glands

Answer 18

Two small glands, located on top of the kidneys, that are part of the endocrine system and secrete several hormones, including cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, that are involved in responses to stress.

Question 19

Cardiovascular system

Answer 19

The transport system of the body responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body and carrying away carbon dioxide and other wastes to the kidneys for excretion; composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Question 20

Blood pressure

Answer 20

The force that blood exerts against vessel walls.

Question 21

Platlets

Answer 21

Small disks found in blood that clump together to block small holes that develop in blood vessels; they play an important role in blood clotting.

Question 22

Immunity

Answer 22

The body’s resistance to injury from invading organisms; it is acquired from the mother at birth, through disease, or through vaccinations and inoculations.

Question 23

Nonspecific (innate) immune mechanisms

Answer 23

A general set of responses to any kind of infection or disorder that is engaged by the presence of a biological invader.

Question 24

Specific (acquired) immune mechanisms

Answer 24

Responses designed to respond to specific invaders; they are always acquired after birth.

Question 25

Phagocytosis

Answer 25

The process by which certain white blood cells (called phagocytes) ingest microbes.

Question 26

Humoral immunity

Answer 26

Fast-acting immune response that defends the body against bacterial and viral infections that have not yet invaded the cells; mediated by B lymphocytes.

Question 27

Cell-mediated immunity

Answer 27

Slow-acting immune response, involving T lymphocytes, that operates at the cellular level.

Question 28

Lymphatic system

Answer 28

The drainage system of the body; involved in immune functioning.

Question 29

Autoimmunity

Answer 29

A condition in which the body produces an immune response against its own tissue constituents.

Question 30

Allostatic load

Answer 30

The accumulating adverse effects of stress, in conjunction with pre-existing risks, on biological stress regulatory systems.

Question 31

Inflammaging

Answer 31

Chronic, sterile, low-grade inflammation that contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related diseases.