Chapter 31.2 Flashcards
Where does processing of information occur in the nervous system?
Processing occurs in the CNS - brain and spinal cord
Each major brain area (cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem) process and relay information. Spinal cord is the communication link between the brain and rest of body.
How do drugs change the brain and lead to addiction?
the brain reacts to excessive dopamine levels by reducing the number of receptors for the neurotransmitter. As a result, normal activities no longer produce the sensations of pleasure they once did.
What is a reflex?
A quick, automatic response to a stimulus
What is the cerebrum?
largest, most outer region of the bran responsible for the voluntary, (conscious) activities of the body.
Consists of 2 layers: cerebral cortex (grey matter) and White matter
What is the cerebral cortex?
outer layer of the cerebrum consisting of densly packed nerve cell bodies called grey matter. Responsible for thoughts, sensations, motor control, plans, learning abilities
What is the thalamus?
structure in the midbrain that receives messages from sensory receptors throughout the body and relays the information to the proper region of the cerebrum for further processing.
(switch operator)
What is the hypothalamus?
(hypo=below) the control center for recognition and analysis of hunger, thirst, fatigue, anger, and body temperature
What is the cerebellum?
(the little brain) receives and sends information about muscle and joint position, as well as sensory inputs.
Timing of motor movement
What is the brainstem?
structure that connects the brain and the spinal cord located below the cerebellum. Made of 3 parts:
1) midbrain
2) pons
3) medulla oblongata
Controls body’s most vital functions like blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, swallowing
What is dopamine?
A particular kind of neurotransmitter
