Nervous System

Nervous System

The master control and communication system of the body responsible for regulating and maintaining homeostasis.

Functions of the Nervous System

Includes monitoring changes, processing sensory information, and generating motor output.

Neurons

The functional unit of the nervous system that transmits electrical signals; they are long-lived and amitotic.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway involved in reflex actions, consisting of a receptor, integration center, and motor neurons.

Synapse

The space where neurons communicate with each other through chemical messengers.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord; it receives and processes information and initiates actions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body; includes motor and sensory neurons.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements by activating skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary responses and acts on organs, glands, and smooth muscles.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into four lobes and two hemispheres responsible for various functions.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls automatic functions such as breathing, swallowing, and heart rate.

Cerebellum

Coordinates body movements and is involved in motor learning.

Thalamus

Transmits sensory information to the limbic system and cerebral cortex.

Limbic System

Structures in the brain responsible for emotions, impulses, and behaviors like anger and hunger.

Hypothalamus

Maintains homeostasis and controls hormone release from the pituitary gland.

Amygdala

Produces feelings of pleasure and controls responses to emotional stimuli.

Hippocampus

Involved in the formation of long-term memory and learning.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain divided into hemispheres; involved in processing sensory information and intelligent thought.

Frontal Lobe

Regulates voluntary movement, intellect, memory, language, and decision-making.

Parietal Lobe

Associated with touch, speech, and reading.

Temporal Lobe

Regulates long-term memory, facial recognition, and hearing.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for vision and shape perception.

Spinal Cord

Protected by the spine, carries messages between the brain and body, and integrates reflex actions.

Pons

Located above the bulb, influences the transitions between sleep and wakefulness and between the rhythm and pattern of breathing.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem that plays a role in vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, arousal, and temperature regulation.

Lymbic System

A complex set of structures in the brain that supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction. Includes the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus, as well as regions near the cerebral cortex