Neurons
cells in the nervous system that have the ability to communicate with one another to perform information- processing tasks.
Cell body
coordinate information- processing tasks and keeps the cell alive
dendrites
receives information from other neurons and relays it to the cell body.
axons
Transmits information to other neurons, muscles, or glands
synapse
junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another.
myelin sheath
Provides insulating layer of fatty material
sensory neuron
Receive information from the external world and convey this information to the brain via the spinal cord.
motor neuron
carries signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement
conduction
the transmission of excitation along a nerve, muscle, or other tissue
transmission
The process by which one neuron communicates with another.
terminal buttons
knoblike structures that branch out from an axon
neurotransmitters
chemical that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dendrites
Peripheral Nervous System
connects the central nervous system to the body's organs and muscles.
Somatic Nervous System
conveys information into and out of the central nervous system.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands.
Sympathetic Nervous System
prepares the body for action in threatening situations (emergency response)
Parasympathetic Nervous System
regulates various physiological functions. Helps the body return to a normal resting non-excited state.
Spinal Cord (damage)
Damage higher on the spinal cord usually means greater impairment, such as quadriplegia
Hindbrain
Extension of the spinal cord. Coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord and controls the basic functions of life
Medulla
Controls blood pressure, heart rate and breathing
Reticular Formation
Regulates sleep, wakefulness, and levels of arousal
Cerebellum
controls fine motor skills ( coordination and balance)
Midbrain (Tectum and Tegmentum)
help orient us in the environment (Makes us aware of the world around us.)
Forebrain
Highest level of brain; critical for complex cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor functions (behavior)
Thalamus
Relays and filters information from the senses(not smell) and transmits the information to the cerebral cortex
Hypothalamus
regulates body temperature, hunger, thirsy, and sexual behavior, also a subcortical structure
Hippocampus
Critical for creating new memories and integrating them into a network of knowledge so that they can be stored indefinitely in other parts of the cerebral cortex.
Amygdala
Plays a central role in many emotional processes, particularly the formation of emotional memories (aggression, fear, shock)
Cerebral Cortex
The highest level of the brain.
Contralateral Control
Each hemisphere controls opposite side of the body
Corpus Callosum
Thick band of nerve fibers that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across the hemispheres
Occipital Lobe
processes visual information
Parietal Lobe
processes. Information about touch
Temporal Lobe
responsible for hearing and language
Frontal Lobe
specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement
Brain Plasticity
The brain is plastic functions that were assigned to certain areas of the brain can be reassigned to other areas of the brain to accomodate the change in enviorment.
Neural tube
structure that forms the early brain and spine
Split Brain
left- language/logic
right- spatial abilities & patten recognition.
Nature vs Nurture
a phrase that describes the debate over how much a person's characteristics are formed by nature or nurture.
body's organs and muscles.
The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the