Science Vocab sections 1-3 chapter 15
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Created by:
maddiesparky on April 7, 2011
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30 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Neuron | a cell that carries messages through the nervous system |
| Nerve Impulse | the message carried by a neuron |
| dendrite | threadlike extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses toward the cell body |
| Axon | threadlike extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body |
| Nerve | a bundle of nerve fibers |
| Sensory Neuron | A neuron that picks up stimuli from the internal or external environment and converts each stimulus into a nerve impulse |
| interneuron | a neuron that carries nerve impulses from one neuron to another |
| motor neuron | A neuron that sends an impulse to a muscle, causing the muscle to contract |
| synapse | The gap that exists between the axon tip and the next structure |
| Central Nervous System | the brain and spinal cord; the control center of the body |
| Peripheral Nervous System | all the nerves located outside the central nervous system; connects the central nervous system to all parts of the body |
| Brain | The part of the central nervous system that is located in the skull and controls most functions in the body |
| Spinal Cord | column of nerve tissue that conducts messages between the brain and the peripheral nerves |
| Cerebrum | the largest part of the brain, controls thinking, reasoning, and memory |
| Cerebellum | region of the brain that coordinates body movements an helps you keep your balance |
| Brainstem | responsible for automatic functions |
| Somatic Nervous System | Controls voluntary actions |
| Autonomic Nervous System | Controls involuntary actions |
| Reflex | quick automatic response to a stimulus, without conscious control |
| Cornea | Clear tissue that covers the front of the eye |
| Pupil | the opening through which light enters the eye |
| Retina | the layer of receptor cells that lines the back of the eye |
| Lens | Flexible structure that focuses light |
| Iris | controls the amount of light that enters the eye ; circular structure that surrounds the pupil and gives it color. |
| nearsightedness | a condition in which nearby objects are seen more clearly than distant objects because distant objects focus in front of the retina |
| farsightedness | able to see far not near |
| Eardrum | tightly stretched membrane located at the end of the ear canal that vibrates when struck by sound waves |
| cochlea | a snail-shaped part of the ear, lined with receptors |
| semicircular canals | the structures in the ear that are responsible for your sense of balance |
| !!! | !!! |
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