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