The Nervous System Vocab Flashcards
central nervous system
brain & spinal cord (The body’s decision maker)
peripheral nervous system
nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all the body (Gathers information and transmits CNS decisions to other body parts)
Neuron
nerve cells that send and receive signals that affect many aspects of behavior and motor control
cell body
The neuron’s life-support center. It contains the nucleus of the neuron.
dendrite
branches/tendrils that receive and integrate information from other cells and send it to the cell body
axon
passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands
Myelin Sheath
a layer of fatty tissue that covers the axon of some neurons and helps increase the speed of nerve impulses
glial cells
Cells that interact with neurons. They provide nutrients, insulate myelin, guide neural connections, and more. They also help with memory, thinking, and learning
synapse
The meeting point between neurons
3 vital functions of the endocrine system
- makes hormones for development and growth
- sends hormones into your bloodstream
- regulates the release of hormones
adrenal gland
Located on top of kidneys and releases hormones that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar to provide a surge of energy (fight or flight response)
pituitary gland
a pea-sized structure located in the core of the brain where it is controlled by the hypothalamus. It secretes many hormones that contribute to growth and development
The simplest form of behavior
a reflex
axon terminal
The end of the axon that connects with dendrites to transmit impulses
Frontal lobe
Front part of the brain that is the emotional control center and is involved in behavior and personality
Parietal lobe
The top part of the brain that processes external info (senses)
Occipital lobe
The back of the brain that handles visual perception
Temporal lobe
The middle of the brain that handles auditory perception (and some visuals)
Brain stem
Connects the brain to the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
Cerebellum
The bottom of the brain that controls posture and balance and helps with complex motor functions like walking, standing, or running
What does the spinal cord do?
- Controls body movements and functions
- Reports senses to your brain
- Manages your reflex
Which hemisphere controls nonverbal processing such as imagination, emotion, visual and musical recognition?
Right
Which hemisphere controls verbal processing such as speaking, reading, and writing?
Left
nodes of ranvier
gaps in the myelin sheaths that facilitate the rapid movement of the electrochemical impulses
