The Brain Flashcards
the nervous system
communication that occurs along nerves
central nervous system parts
brain
spinal cord: reflexes occur without brain involvement
peripheral nervous system parts
somatic
automatic ->(sympathetic=activates)
(parasympathetic=calms)
neurons
communication through the nervous system takes place via neurons
sensory neuron (afferent)
conveys information to the brain
efferent
conveys information from the brain
cell body
processes nutrients and provides energy for neuron
nucleus
contains chromosomes
dendrites
receives information from other neurons
nodes of ranvier
gaps in the myelin sheath
myelin sheath
insulates axon and increases communication speed
axon
carries information to other neurons, muscles, and glands
brain
a complex system of interconnected neurons
hindbrain
connects spinal cord and brain
midbrain
processes auditory and visual information
pons
movement on the left and right side of the body
medulla
controls vital life functions
cerebellum
coordinates movements, balance, and posture
reticular formation
regulates attention, alertness, and sleep
substance nigra
cluster of dopamine producing neurons
cerebral cortex
outer portion of forebrain
limbic system
structures beneath the cerebral cortex
temporal lobe
processes auditory information
frontal lobe
processes voluntary movement
