Bio - Chapter 24 Flashcards
(14 cards)
Interneurons
Neurons that relay signals from other neurons and
integrate information
Motor neurons
Neurons that control muscles and glands (effectors)
Dendrite
Neuron’s signal-receiving cytoplasmic extension
Axon
Cytoplasmic extension of a neuron; transmits electrical
signals along its length and chemical signals at its endings
Neuroglia
All neurons are metabolically assisted, protected, insulated, and held in place by neuroglia – cells that support neurons
Regions of the Human Brain
During development, the brain is organized as three regions: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain
The midbrain has a role in reward-based learning
The hindbrain and midbrain constitute the brain stem, which regulates breathing and reflexes such as swallowing and coughing
Medulla oblongata
Region that controls breathing rhythm and reflexes such
as coughing and vomiting
Pons
Region between medulla oblongata and midbrain; has a
role in control of breathing
Cerebellum
Region that coordinates voluntary movements
Cerebrum
Region that controls higher functions
Largest part of the human brain; divided into two
hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum
Thalamus
Sorts sensory signals and sends them to the proper region
of the cerebral cortex
Hypothalamus
Homeostatic control center; interacts with pituitary
A Closer Look at the Cerebral Cortex
Cerebral cortex
Thin, highly folded layer of gray matter on the surface of
the cerebrum
Controls voluntary activity, sensory perception, abstract
thought, language and speech
Two hemispheres have slightly different functions
Four lobes control separate functions
Frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes
Somatosensory areas in each lobe receive sensory input
Sensory neurons
Neurons that detect specific stimuli
