Unit 1: Human Brain and Neurons

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering major concepts from Unit 1 on the human brain and neurons.

The human brain weighs about __ kilograms (roughly 3 pounds).

1.4

The brain’s three main divisions are the cerebrum, cerebellum, and __.

brain stem

The two cerebral hemispheres are connected by the __.

corpus callosum

The lobe responsible for reasoning, planning, and voluntary movement is the __ lobe.

frontal

The __ lobe processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

parietal

Auditory processing and memory formation occur chiefly in the __ lobe.

temporal

Visual information is mainly processed in the __ lobe.

occipital

Balance and fine motor coordination are controlled by the __.

cerebellum

Vital life functions like breathing and heart rate are regulated by the __.

brain stem

The brain-stem section that includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata is collectively known as the __.

hind brain

Hunger, thirst, body temperature, and emotion are largely governed by the __.

hypothalamus

Sensory signals are relayed to the appropriate brain areas by the __.

thalamus

The brain and spinal cord together form the __ Nervous System (CNS).

Central

Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord make up the __ Nervous System (PNS).

Peripheral

The hard bony structure protecting the brain is the __.

skull

The three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are called the __.

meninges

A watery fluid that cushions the brain is known as __ fluid.

cerebrospinal

The brain’s primary fuel source is the simple sugar __.

glucose

Approximately __ billion neurons are found in the human brain.

100

Specialized cells that send and receive electrical signals are called __.

neurons

The large egg-shaped part of a neuron that contains the nucleus is the __ (or soma).

cell body

Branch-like extensions that receive incoming signals are the __.

dendrites

The long threadlike part of a neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body is the __.

axon

Fatty insulating layers surrounding many axons form the __ sheath.

myelin

Tiny bulbs at an axon’s end that store neurotransmitters are called __ bulbs.

terminal

The small gap between two neurons where communication occurs is the __.

synapse

Chemical messengers that cross synapses are known as __.

neurotransmitters

The rapid electrical impulse that travels along a neuron is an __ potential.

action

The __ system (including the amygdala and hippocampus) is involved in emotion and memory.

limbic

Neurons transmit information to the brain, which processes it and sends commands back through __.

neurons (nerve pathways)

Regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mental challenges are key factors in maintaining __ health.

brain

Because adult brains have limited ability to regenerate neurons, severe injury may result in restricted capacity to __ damaged tissue.

repair

The myelin sheath prevents electrical __ between adjacent axons.

interference