CNS/PNS Flashcards
CNS
the brain and spinal cord, which together mediate behavior
PNS
all the neurons in the body outside the brain and spinal cord; somatic NS, autonomic NS, enteric NS
Cerebrum (forebrain)
Major structure for the forebrain, which consists of two mirror image hemispheres (L/R) and is responsible for most conscious behavior
Hemispheres
one side of the cerebrum
Neocortex (new cortex)
outermost layer of the forebrain that is visibly folded in humans and other large brained animals; composed of about six layers of cells
brainstem
central structure of the brain that is responsible for most life sustaining, unconscious behavior
cerebellum
major brainstem structure specialized for learning and coordinating movements; assists the cerebrum in generating many behaviors
embodied behavior
theory that the movements we make and the movements we perceive in others are central to communication
Afferent “affective”
sensory (incoming) pathways; emotion, feeling, and affection
Efferent “effector”
motor (outgoing) pathways; muscle
nerve net
simple nervous system that has no center
bilateral symmetry
body parts that have a mirror image, such as hands and not heart
segmentation
division into a number of parts that are similar, similarly organized body segments
ganglia
collection of nerve cells that functions somewhat like a brain
somatic nervous system (SNS)
contains cranial nerves and spinal nerves to and from the muscles, joints, and skin, informs the CNS about the position and movement of body parts
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
contains sympathetic division (arousing) and parasympathetic division (calming); part of the peripheral NS that’s regulates the functioning of internal organs and glands, and unconscious processes
Enteric Nervous System (ENS)
Mesh of neurons embedded in the lining of the gut, running from esophagus through the colon; controls the gut
Meninges
three layers of protective tissue: dura mater, arachnoid, and pía anger - that encase the brain and spinal cord
Spinal Cord
controls most movements, reflexes(automatic), the brain cannot inhibit. ex, knee reflex
Dura Mater
hard mother, right below skull
Arachnoid
in between dura mater and pia mater
pia mater
soft mother, surrounding brain
cerebral cortex
brains thin outer “bark” layer
hypothalamus
diencephalon structure that contains many nuclei mediating regulatory functions such as hunger and thirst; involved in almost everything (master control center)
