BIO 120 Unit 4 Practice Exam Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and definitions from the BIO 120 Unit 4 Practice Exam.

Nervous System

The system that monitors internal and external stimuli, transmits electrical impulses, and maintains homeostasis.

Dura Mater

The tough, outermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle meningeal layer resembling a spider web.

Pia Mater

The layer of the meninges that lies directly on the brain surface and contains many blood vessels.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer gray-matter region of the cerebrum responsible for conscious thought.

Corpus Callosum

The structure connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Thalamus

Functions primarily as a sensory relay station.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

The region where sensory information such as pain, pressure, and temperature is perceived.

Hypothalamus

The brain structure that helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle.

Brainstem

Composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Medulla Oblongata

Helps regulate heart rate and blood vessel diameter.

Cerebellum

Main function is to coordinate movement and balance.

Blood–Brain Barrier

Limits entry of many substances into the brain by blocking many medications and toxins.

Wernicke's Area

Essential for understanding language.

Broca's Area

Controls production of spoken language.

Ependymal Cells

Produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by filtering blood plasma.

Myelin Sheaths

Function to increase speed of conduction in nerve fibers.

Reflex Arc

Begins when a receptor is stimulated.

Action Potential

An all-or-none electrical signal that propagates along the axon of a neuron.

Ligand-gated Channels

Open in response to ligand binding.

Repolarization

Occurs when K⁺ ions leave the neuron.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

Produced by the outflow of K⁺ or influx of Cl⁻.