Structure & function

autonomic nervous system

parts of the PNS that carry messages between the CNS and organs that function autonomously

arachnoid mater

delicate weblike layer of the meninges; middle finger

axon

conduct electrical impulses from the cell body

brainstem

controls functions (e.g., heart rate, breathing); includes midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata

cell body

contains nucleus of the neroun

CNS

brain & spinal cord

cerebellum

controls skeletal muscle

cerebral cortex

gray matter that surrounds the cerebrum

cerebrospinal fluid

fluid in and around the brain and spinal cord

cerebrum

controls conscious thought and stores memories; largest part of the brain

dendrite

process extending from a neuron cell body

diencephalon

brain; contains thalamus and the hypothalamus

dura mater

outer meninx, the fibrous membrane protecting the CNS

frontal lobe

controls voluntary muscle movements and other sensory and motor tasks