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The Nervous System and Brain Vocabulary

Terms in this set (16)

Parasympthetic nervous system
One of the divisions of the autonomic nervous system, based between the brain and the spinal cord, that slows the heart and relaxes muscles.
Peripheral nervous system
The part of the nervous system comprising. Large system of nerves that are linked to the brain and spinal cord; this system is divided into the autonomic and somatic nervous system.
Somatic nervous system
The pet of the peripheral nervous system that transmits signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, and from receptors of external stimuli, thereby mediating sight, hearing and touch.
Spinal cord
A thick, whitish cord of nerve tissue which is a major part of the central nervous system. It extends from the brain stem through the spine, with nerves branching off to various parts of the body.
Sympathetic nervous system
The part of the autonomic nervous system that raises blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels and dilates pupils in situations of stress.
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates the involuntary activity of the heart, intestines and glands, including the activities of digestion, respiration, perspiration, metabolism, and the modulation of blood pressure.
Brain stem
The part of the brain that connects the spinal cord to the forebrain and cerebrum.
Central nervous system
In vertebrates, the part of the nervous system comprising the brain, brain stem and spinal cord.
Cerebellum
Part of the hindbrain in vertebrates. In humans it lies between the brain stem and the cerebrum and plays and important role in sensory perception, motor output, balance and posture.
Cerebrum
In humans it is the largest part of the brain and is the seat of motor and sensory functions, and the higher mental functions such as consciousness, thought, reason, emotion, and memory.
Cerebral cortex
The grey, folded, outermost layer of the cerebrum that is responsible for higher brain processes such as sensation, voluntary muscle movement, thought, reasoning, and memory.
Conductivity
The ability of a material to conduct electricity, heat, fluid, or sound.
Corpus callosum
In mammals, a broad band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Lateralization
Localization of a function, such as speed, to the right or left side of the brain.
Medulla oblongata
The lower portion of the brain stem that controls automatic functions like breathing.
Synapse
The junction between the terminal of a neuron and either another neuron or a muscle or gland cell, over which nerve impulses pass.
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