Chapter 3: Neuroscience Part 2 Flashcards
afferent neurons
neurons that carry sensory info from the body toward CNS
efferent neurons
neurons that carry info out from the CNS to the muscles and glands
interneurons
neurons that typically have a short axon and serve as a relay between different classes of neurons; in the spinal cord, interneurons communicate with both sensory and motor neurons
somatic nervous system
all the peripheral nerves that transmit info about body sensation and movement to and from the central nervous system (VOLUNTARY ACTION)
autonomic nervous system
portion of the peripheral nervous system that comprises the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (INVOLUNTARY-operates without help from CNS)
sympathetic nervous system
the part of the autonomic nervous system that is activated under conditions of stress “fight-or-flight”
parasympathetic nervous system
the part of the autonomic nervous system that is active during restful times “rest-and-digest”
spinal cord
portion of the central nervous system that extends down from the base of the brain and mediates sensory and motor information
What comprises simple reflexes?
sensory neuron, interneuron, and motor neuron
Gyri/sulci
Convolutions and folds in the brain, allows greater accommodation of brain surface area
Hindbrain
The part of the brain that is closest to the spinal cord that consists of the medulla, the pons, and the cerebellum; the reticular formation begins here and extends to the midbrain
Medulla
Part of the brain that controls basic bodily processes and regulates certain types of reflexes-responsible for breathing, heartbeat, and other vital life functions
Pons
Uppermost or anterior (front) part of the brainstem that includes the locus coeruleus- involved with respiration, movement, waking, sleeping, and dreaming
Locus coeruleus
Contains long neurons that project throughout brain and spinal cord
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter that is important for arousal and attention
Cerebellum
Part of the brain, near the base of the back of the head, important for motor coordination-coordinates fine muscle movement, balance, and some perception and cognition
Reticular formation
A complex neural network extending from the hindbrain into the midbrain that plays a central role in regulating consciousness and arousal - helps screen incoming sensory information and controls arousal
Reticular formation is the primary brain source of:
Serotonin
Midbrain
Contains the substantial nigra
The substantial nigra produces:
Dopamine
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter produced by neurons in the brain stem and involved in movement and reward systems
Forebrain
Divided into two cerebral hemispheres connected by the corpus callousness
Contralateral
Each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body
Cerebral cortex
The outermost layer of grey matter
Thalamus
An area of the brain that serves, in part, as a relay station for incoming sensory information (contains LGN and MGN)-relays sensory messages to cortex
Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)
Relays visual info to the visual cortex
Medial geniculate nucleus (MGN)
Relays auditory info to the auditory cortex
Hypothalamus
Brain structure important for motivation and control of the endocrine system
Endocrine system
The system that controls levels of hormones throughout the body