Self 1: Biological Influences Definitions Flashcards
Define: Nervous system
A complex, highly coordinated network of nervous tissues that produce thought processes and initiate the automatic and conscious actions of an animal
Define: Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal chord
Define: Peripheral Nervous System
The region of the nervous system outside the central nervous system
Define: Brain
The main organ of the nervous system which functions as the coordinating centre.
Define: Spinal Chord
The tubular bundle of nerve fibres that connects the brain to the rest of the body
Define: Somatic Nervous System
The subsection of the peripheral nervous system that is connected to the skeletal muscles and sense organs
Define: Autonomic Nervous System
The subsection of the peripheral nervous system that is connected to internal organs
Define: Sympathetic Nervous System
The subsection of the autonomic nervous system that is active during stages of stress or strenuous activity, responsible for the fight or flight response
Define: Parasympathetic Nervous System
The subsection of the autonomic nervous system that is active during states of relaxation, responsible for rest and digest processes
Define: Frontal Lobe
The region of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, and initiating and coordinating conscious motor movements.
Define: Parietal Lobe
The region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information about touch, pressure and pain
Define: Occipital Lobe
The region of the brain responsible for processing all visual information
Define: Temporal Lobe
The region of the brain responsible for interpreting all auditory information
Define: Broca’s Area
An area within the frontal lobe which is responsible for the production of language and speech
Define: Wernicke’s Area
A area within the frontal lobe which is responsible for understanding language and speech
Define: Nerve
Bundles of axons extending from many neurone
Define: Neuron
Nervous system cells that communicate via electrochemical signals
Define: Axon
A fibre that extends from a neurone and sends signals to other neurones
Define: Dendrites
A fibre that extends from a neurone and receives signals from other neurones then sends them toward the cell body
Define: Cell Body
The central area of a neurone which contains the nucleus
Define: Myelin Sheath
Insulating material that surrounds an axon and facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses
Define: Neurotransmitter
Chemicals which allow the transmission from one neurone to the next across a synapse
Define: Hormone
Chemical which are produced in glands and released into the bloodstream, involved in regulating body functions
Define: Neurotransmission
The transmission of nerve impulses across a synapse
