The Brain and Nervous System Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
The control and communication system of the body that sends and receives messages
What are the three major parts of the brain?
- Cerebrum
- Cerebellum
- Brain Stem
What is the function of the cerebrum?
Responsible for memory, speech, and conscious thought
What role does the cerebellum play in the nervous system?
Controls balance and coordination
What involuntary actions does the brain stem control?
- Heartbeat
- Digestion
- Breathing
Define a neuron.
Specialized cells that make up the nervous system and allow the passage of electrical impulses
What are the three types of neurons?
- Sensory Neurons
- Interneurons
- Motor Neurons
What is the function of sensory neurons?
Send signals to the brain from the body’s receptors
What do motor neurons do?
Send impulses from the brain to muscles or glands
What is the role of interneurons?
Connect other neurons and transmit impulses between sensory and motor neurons
Label the parts of a neuron.
- Receptor
- Cell body
- Dendrites
- Axon
- Myelin
- Synaptic knobs
What does the receptor in a neuron do?
Detects external stimuli
What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?
Contains nucleus and most of the cytoplasm
Fill in the blank: The long projection that carries impulses away from the cell body is called the _______.
Axon
What is myelin?
Fatty tissue that covers the axon of sensory and motor neurons
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals released from the synaptic knob to stimulate the next neuron
What is a stimulus response arc?
The pathway that includes sensory receptor, sensory neuron, spinal cord, brain, motor neuron, and muscle or gland response
What is a reflex action?
An involuntary response that occurs without reaching the brain
What triggers a reflex response?
Emergency situations where the impulse only reaches the spinal cord
True or False: All responses are controlled by the brain.
False
Examples of reflex actions include _______.
- Pupil response
- Touching something hot
- Coughing
What is the stimulus in a reflex response arc?
External or internal stimuli detected by sensory receptors
