The Nervous System

Question 1

The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary

Answer 1

nervous system

Question 2

The brain and spinal cord

Answer 2

central nervous system (CNS)

Question 3

The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control

Answer 3

somatic nervous system

Question 4

The part of the nervous system that regulates functions, such as digestion and sweating, that are not controlled voluntarily

Answer 4

autonomic nervous system

Question 5

The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgement

Answer 5

brain

Question 6

The largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the “gray matter”, made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality

Answer 6

cerebrum

Question 7

One of three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the “little brain”, coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements

Answer 7

cerebellum

Question 8

The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration

Answer 8

brain stem

Question 9

Located in the upper brain stem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically once’s level of arousal

Answer 9

reticular activating system

Question 10

The part of the brain that is responsible for helping to regulate the level of consciousness

Answer 10

midbrain

Question 11

An organ that lies below the midbrain and above the medulla and contains numerous important nerve fibers, including those for sleep, respiration, and the medullary respiratory center

Answer 11

pons

Question 12

Nerve tissue that is continuous inferiorly with the spinal cord; serves as a conduction pathway for ascending and descending nerve tracts; coordinates heart rate, blood vessel diameter, breathing, swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing

Answer 12

medulla oblongata

Question 13

fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes in the meninges

Answer 13

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 14

An extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It lies inside of and is protected by the spinal canal.

Answer 14

spinal cord

Question 15

The part of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of crainial nerves. These may be sensory nerves, motor nerves, or connecting nerves

Answer 15

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 16

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, involved in control of involuntary, vegetative functions, mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine

Answer 16

parasympathetic nervous system

Question 17

nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body

Answer 17

motor nerves

Question 18

The nerves that carry sensations of touch, taste, heat, cold, pain, and other modalities from the body to the central nervous system

Answer 18

sensory nerves