Modules 10-12 Vocab Flashcards
The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems
Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Bundled axons that form neural “cables” connecting the nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs
Nerves
Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord
Sensory (afferent) neurons
Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands
Motor (efferent) neurons
Neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs
Interneurons
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles
Somatic Nervous System (Skeletal Nervous System)
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs. Sympathetic division-arouses; Parasympathetic division- calms
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
The division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations
Sympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy
Parasympathetic Nervous System
A simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response
Reflex
The body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream
Endocrine System
Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues
Hormones
A pair of endocrine glands that a sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and nonepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress
Adrenal Glands
The endocrine system’s most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands
Pituitary Gland
Tissue destruction. In the brain it is naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue
Lesion
An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain’s structure
CT (computed tomography) Scan
A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
PET (positron emission tomography) Scan
A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue, shows brain anatomy
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
A technique for revealing blood-flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. These scans show brain function as well as its structure
fMRI (functional MRI)
The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; it is responsible for automatic survival functions
Brainstem
The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing
Medulla
The brain’s sensory control center; located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Thalamus
A nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal
Reticular Formation
The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory
Cerebellum
Neural system (includes hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives
Limbic system
Two lima-bean sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion
Amygdala
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temp), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward
Hypothalamus
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center
Cerebral Cortex
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning and thinking
Glial Cells
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
Frontal Lobe
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position
Parietal Lobe
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from visual fields
Occipital Lobe
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear
Temporal Lobe
An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that control voluntary movements
Motor Cortex
Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations
Somatosensory Cortex
Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking
Association Areas
The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience
Plasticity
The formation of new neurons
Neurogenesis
Brain’s oldest system to newest in order
Brainstem - Thalamus -Reticular Formation- Cerebellum - Limbic System (Amygdala and Hypothalamus)
