Nervous System

Question 1

Dendrites

Answer 1

branchlike structures of a neuron that receives messages from other neurons

Question 2

Neuron

Answer 2

basic cells that makes up the nervous system that sends and receives messages

Question 3

Soma

Answer 3

cell body of the neuron that is responsible for maintaining the life of the cell

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

tube like structure of neuron that carries the neural message from the cell body to the axon terminals for communication with other cells

Question 5

Myelin

Answer 5

fatty substance produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse

Question 6

Action potential

Answer 6

the release of the neural impulse, consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon

Question 7

Neurotransmitter

Answer 7

chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that when released has an effect on the next cell

Question 8

Synapse (synaptic gap)

Answer 8

microscopic fluid-filled space between the axon terminal of one cell and the dendrites or surface of the next cell

Question 9

Central nervous system

Answer 9

part of nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

Question 10

Neuroplasticity

Answer 10

the ability in the brain to constantly change both the structure and functions of many cells in response to experience or trauma

Question 11

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Answer 11

all nerves and neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run throughout the body itself

Question 12

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Answer 12

Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that control all of the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands

Question 13

Sympathetic division (fight or flight)

Answer 13

part of the ANS that is responsible for reacting to stressful events and bodily arousal

Question 14

Parasympathetic division (eat drink and rest system)

Answer 14

part of the ANS that resources the body to normal functioning after arousal and is responsible for the day to day functioning of the organs and glands

Question 15

Hormones

Answer 15

chemicals released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands

Question 16

Pituitary gland

Answer 16

gland located in the brain that secretes human growth hormone and influences all other hormone-secreting glands

Question 17

Adrenal glands

Answer 17

endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that secrete over 30 different hormones