| A | B |
|---|
| 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 | The thick column of nerve tissue that is enclosed by the vertebrae and that links the brain to most of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. |
| cerebrum | The part of the brain that interprets input from the senses, controls the movement of skeletal muscles, and carries out complex mental processes. |
| cerebellum | The part of the brain that coordinates the actions of the muscles and helps maintain balance. |
| brainstem | The part of the brain that controls many body functions that occur automatically. |
| somatic nervous system | The group of nerves that controls voluntary actions. |
| autonomic nervous system | The group of nerves that controls involuntary actions. |
| reflex | An automatic response that occurs very rapidly and without conscious control. |
| concussion | A bruiselike injury of the brain that occurs when the soft tissue of the cerebrum bumps against the skull. |
