Chapter 3.1 Flashcards
What is the brainstem?
The brainstem is the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls essential life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
It consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain.
What functions does the medulla regulate?
The medulla regulates vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
It also plays a role in reflexive actions like swallowing and sneezing.
What is the role of the pons?
The pons relays information between the brain and spinal cord and assists in controlling sleep, respiration, and facial movements.
It also plays a role in sensory processing and motor coordination.
What is the reticular formation?
The reticular formation is a network of neurons in the brainstem that helps regulate alertness, sleep-wake cycles, and basic autonomic functions.
It is essential for maintaining consciousness and filtering sensory information.
What is the thalamus responsible for?
The thalamus serves as the primary relay center for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex for processing.
It also plays a role in motor control, sleep regulation, and attention.
What functions does the cerebellum serve?
The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and motor learning.
It refines voluntary actions by integrating sensory input with motor commands.
What is the limbic system?
The limbic system is a network of brain structures that regulate emotions, memory, and motivation.
It includes areas like the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.
What role does the amygdala play?
The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, especially fear and aggression.
It plays a key role in emotional learning and memory formation related to threats and rewards.
What is the function of the hippocampus?
The hippocampus is crucial for learning and the formation of long-term memories.
It helps in spatial navigation and the organization of experiences into coherent memories.
What does the hypothalamus regulate?
The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis by controlling hunger, thirst, temperature, and hormone release.
It plays a central role in the body’s stress response and circadian rhythms.
What is the cerebral cortex?
The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions such as reasoning, perception, decision-making, and voluntary movement.
It is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.
What does the sensory cortex do?
The sensory cortex processes sensory input from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.
It is primarily located in the parietal lobe.
What is the function of the motor cortex?
The motor cortex is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.
It sends signals to muscles through the spinal cord.
What is the association cortex?
The association cortex integrates sensory, motor, and cognitive functions.
It enables complex thought processes, decision-making, and problem-solving.
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress responses.
It works in conjunction with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that regulate bodily functions.
They influence processes such as metabolism, mood, and reproductive health.
What is the pituitary gland often called?
The pituitary gland is often called the ‘master gland.’
It regulates other glands through hormone secretion.
What do the adrenal glands produce?
The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone.
These hormones regulate stress responses, metabolism, and blood pressure.
What does the cardiovascular system consist of?
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
It works together to transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be expelled.
It includes structures like the lungs, bronchi, and alveoli.
What do arteries do?
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
They have thick, elastic walls to handle high pressure.
What is the function of veins?
Veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart from the body.
They contain valves that prevent backward flow.
What do bronchi do?
Bronchi are large airways that branch from the trachea into the lungs.
They allow the passage of air during breathing.
What are cilia?
Cilia are tiny hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract.
They help move mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs.
What is a noncommunicable disease (NCD)?
A noncommunicable disease (NCD) is a chronic condition not caused by infectious agents.
Examples include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
What does the digestive system do?
The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients for energy, growth, and repair.
It includes organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver.
What are antigens?
Antigens are foreign substances that trigger an immune response.
They are recognized by the immune system.
What are lymphocytes?
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system.
They include B cells and T cells.
What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease.
This reduces its spread and protects individuals who are not immune.
What are cytokines?
Cytokines are signaling proteins released by immune cells that regulate inflammation and immune responses.
They play a role in protecting against infections.
What is the reproductive system responsible for?
The reproductive system produces gametes (sperm and eggs) and facilitates reproduction.
It includes structures such as the testes, ovaries, and uterus.
