| autonomic division / autonomic nervous system (ANS) |
Division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions; composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions |
| axon |
An elongated extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body (typically from the cell body to the synapse) |
| axon terminal |
The end of an axon |
| brain stem |
Portion of the brain that lies below the cerebrum and links it to the spinal cord; consists of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain |
| central nervous system (CNS) |
Portion of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord; control the flow of information in the body |
| cerebellum (plural cerebellums or cerebella) |
A posterior portion of the brain (posterior to the medulla oblongata and pons); coordinates skeletal muscles to produce smooth motions; controls subconscious activities |
| cerebral cortex |
The outer gray matter region of the cerebral hemispheres that receives sensory information and controls motor activities |
| cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) |
A plasma-like fluid that fills the cavities of the CNS and surrounds the CNS externally; maintains uniform pressure within the brain and spinal cord |
| cerebrum (plural cerebra) |
The two hemispheres of the forebrain; involved in higher mental functions |
| dendrite |
a cytoplasmic extension of a neuron that conducts signals toward the cell body |
| hypothalamus |
A portion of the diencephalon, located below the thalamus that coordinates the activities of the nervous and endocrine systems |
| interneuron |
A neuron located within the central nervous system, between the afferent neuron and the final neuron; conveys messages between parts of the central nervous system |
| medulla oblongata |
The lower portion of the brain stem; immediately adjacent to the spinal cord; Contains reflex centers; associated with heart beat, breathing controls, blood pressure etc. |
| membrane potential |
The difference in electrical charge between two sides of a membrane |
| midbrain |
Region of the brain stem that contains reflex centers and tracts; located below thalamus and above pons |
| motor neuron |
A neuron in the peripheral nervous system that conducts impulses from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands |
| myelin sheath |
White layer of fatty material; derived from the membrane of Schwann cells; surrounds certain nerve fibers and acts as an electrical insulator |
| nerve |
Cable-like bundle of many neuron axons through which nerve impulses travel between the central nervous system and other parts of our body, enabling you to move, feel pain, etc. |
| neuroglia |
Non-conducting nerve cells that provide support and protection to neurons |
| neuron |
Cell of the nervous system that is specialized to receive and conduct electrical impulses |
| neurotransmitter |
a chemical substance released by a neuron that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse |
| resting potential |
The slight difference in voltage (electrical potential across the cell membrane of a nerve cell or muscle cell) due to an unequal distribution of ions |
| somatic division |
Division of the nervous system that is involved in conscious
movement |
| synapse |
Gap (Functional junction) between neurons |
terms are usefull
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