Unit 6 Anatomy - Vocab

Afferent Nerves

Nerves that carry messages from the body to the brain or spinal cord (sensory nerves).

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions like heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, which process and send information in the body.

Efferent Nerves

Nerves that carry messages from the brain or spinal cord to the muscles or organs (motor nerves).

Interneurons

Nerves in the brain and spinal cord that connect sensory and motor nerves.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Myelin Sheath

A protective layer around nerve fibers that helps send messages faster.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that send signals between nerve cells.

Synapse

The small gap where signals pass from one nerve cell to another.

Action Potential

An electrical signal sent along a nerve cell.

Autonomic Reflexes

Involuntary reflexes that control things like blood pressure and digestion.

Reflexes

Automatic actions your body does in response to something, like pulling your hand away from something hot.

Sodium-potassium Pump

A process in cells that helps maintain the balance of sodium and potassium, essential for nerve signals.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes that involve voluntary muscles, like kicking when the doctor taps your knee.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerves that connects the two sides of the brain.

Meninges

The protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord.

Ganglion

A group of nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord.

Plexuses

Networks of nerves in the body.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

A brain disease that causes memory loss and thinking problems.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

A condition that affects movement and muscle coordination due to brain damage.

Epilepsy

A condition that causes repeated seizures (sudden bursts of brain activity).

Meningitis

Swelling of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A disease where the immune system damages the myelin sheath, affecting nerve signals.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Damage to the brain caused by a blow or injury to the head.