Chapter 3: The Brain Flashcards
nervous system
a portion of the body consisting of neurons, nerves, and glial cells that allow different portions of the body to communicate with one another
neurons
specialized cells that can receive and transmit information
nerves
bundles of connective tissue between neurons that allow them to communicate with one another and with other parts of the body
glial cells
cells within the nervous system that provide support for neurons and overall nervous system function
two subsystems of the nervous system
central nervous system (CNS) & peripheral nervous system (PNS)
central nervous system (CNS)
the portion of the nervous system containing the brain and the spinal cord
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
the portion of the nervous system consisting of all neurons, nerves, and glial cells outside of the brain and spinal cord
where does cognition take place?
CNS (brain)
link between the CNS & PNS
The PNS provides inputs from external senses and passes them to the CNS for processing. The CNS sends a behavioural decision as an output to the PNS
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
connects most of the organs in the body and regulates unconscious bodily functions
subdivisions of the ANS
sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous systems
sympathetic nervous system
Unconsciously prepares the body for immediate action (fight-or-flight)
parasympathetic nervous system
regulates bodily functions under conditions where immediate action is not needed (rest & digest)
brainstem
a stalk-like structure at the base of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord and regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing
hypothalamus
a small but highly complex cluster of neurons that lies in the center of the brain and is involved in regulating involuntary functions like body temperature hunger, thirst, fatigue, and sexual behaviour
what brain structures regulate the ANS
brainstem & hypothalamus
reflex action
when a stimulus generates an immediate behavioural action triggered by the spinal cord before the information reaches the brain
cerebrum
the largest portion of the human brain that consists of the cerebral cortex and related structures
cerebral cortex
a folded, layered structure that is the largest single structure and the most superficial portion of the brain.
the cerebral cortext is made up of
gray & white matter
gray matter
neuronal cell bodies