| A | B |
|---|
| Nervous System | System that regulates body functions and processing sensory input |
| Central Nervous System (CNS) | Division of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord; integration and control center |
| Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) | Division of the nervous system that includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord |
| Neuron | Specialized cell that transmits electrical signals (nerve impulses) |
| Neuroglia (Glial Cells) | Support, protect, and nourish neurons |
| Dendrite | Branching extension of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons or acts as a sensory receptor |
| Axon | Long projection that carries impulses away from the cell body of a neuron |
| Myelin | Fatty covering that insulates axons and speeds signal transmission |
| Synapse | Small gap between two neurons |
| Neurotransmitter | Chemical messenger that is released into a chemical synapse to carry (transmit) a signal |
| Cerebrum | Largest brain region; controls thought, memory, emotions, and voluntary muscle control |
| Cerebral Cortex | Outer layer of the cerebrum; grey matter |
| Gyri | Folds of the cerebral cortex |
| Sulci | Grooves in the cerebral cortex |
| Corpus Callosum | Bundle of neurons that connects the left and right hemispheres |
| Cerebellum | Coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and posture |
| Brainstem | Responsible for basic life functions such as respiration and heart rate |
| Spinal Cord | Large bundle of nervous tissue that forms a pathway for signals between brain and body |
| Sensory (Afferent) Nerves | Carry information from receptors in the body to the central nervous system |
| Motor (Efferent) Nerves | Carry commands from central nervous system to muscles and glands |
| Reflex | Automatic rapid response to stimulus |
| Somatic Nervous System | Controls voluntary muscle movement |
| Autonomic Nervous System | Controls involuntary functions, such as digestion |
| Sympathetic Division | Prepares body for stress (fight or flight) |
| Parasympathetic Division | Promotes rest and recovery to calm the body and conserve energy (rest and digest) |
| Receptor | Structure that detects stimuli |
| Impulse | Electrical signal transmitted along a neuron |
| Cranial Nerves | 12 pairs of nerves originating from brain |
| Spinal Nerves | 31 pairs of nerves originating from spinal cord; pass between individual vertebrae |
| Hypothalamus | Monitors for changes in the body and regulates homeostasis |
| Meninges | Term for the protective connective tissue layers that surround the brain and the spinal cord |
| Dura Mater | Tough, outer meningeal layer |
| Pia Mater | Smooth, inner meningeal layer that is directly attached to the brain and rich in blood supply |
| Arachnoid | Middle web-like meningeal layer that provides space for the cerebrospinal fluid |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid | Fluid produced in the ventricles; cushions, nourishes, removes wastes, and protects the brain and spinal cord |
| Plexus | Network of intersecting spinal nerves that come together and mix before branching out |
| Thalamus | Part of the brain that processes (triages) and relays sensory input |
| Cauda Equina | Bundle of spinal nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord |
