dendrites
these receive messages from other cells
axon
carries signal to axon endings
Myelin sheath
covers the axon and helps speed up neural impulses
action potential
the scientific word for the nerve impulse
neurotransmitter
chemicals that transfer signals between neurons (in the synapse)
central nervous system
the brain and the spine
peripheral nervous system
sensory and motor neurons that connect to the central nervous system
autonomic nervous system
controls automatic functions and involuntary functions
somatic nervous system
controls voluntary movements
pituitary gland
releases growth hormones and tells other glands to release hormones (the "master gland"). it's controlled by the hypothalamus
Hippocampus
memory
medulla
controls heart beat and breathing
pons
helps coordinate movement
thalamus
receives sensory information. receives all senses except for smell
cerebellum
processes coordination and balance
hypothalamus
the part of the brain that's in charge of homeostasis (hunger, thirst, body temp); part of the limbic system
amygdala
influences aggression and fear; part of the limbic system
cerebral cortex
ultimate control and information processing center
frontal lobe
involved in speaking and muscle movements and making plans and judgement
parietal lobe
receives sensory input for touch and body position
occipital lobe
receives visual information from the opposite field
temporal lobe
receives auditory information, typically from the opposite ear
sensory strip
the rectangular band running down the side of the brain which registers and provides all sensation
Synapse
A junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to the next.
aphasia
the impaired use of language
broca's area
directs muscle movements involved with speech
wernicke's area
the brain area involved with language comprehension and expression
plasticity
the brain's capacity for modification
Axon terminals
Branches at the end of the axon that contain tiny pouches, or sacs, called synaptic vesicles.
hippocampus
associated with learning and memory; part of the limbic system
nervous system
the body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems
corpus callosum
the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them
Limpic system
the part of the brain bordering on the corpus callosum: concerned with basic emotion, hunger, and sex
reticular formation
a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and plays an important role in controlling arousal
motor strip
muscle movement, voluntary movement
frontal lobe
The lobe at the front of the brain associated with movement, speech, and impulsive behavior.
spinal cord
nervous tissue within the spinal cavity
Cerebrum
Largest Area of the brain responsible for all voluntary activities of the body
Amygdala
A limbic system structure involved in memory and emotion, particularly fear and aggression.