HEALTH SCIENCE HONORS UNIT 3 PART 2

Dendrite

Many tree-like projections from the neuron that carry messages to the cell body.

Axon

The single long arm of the neuron that carries messages away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Insulating layer around neurons that allow nerve impulses to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.

Synapse

Space separating two neurons.

Nerve Impulse

Stimulus creates an impulse, which travels into the neuron on the dendrite and out on the axon, with neurotransmitters released at the end.

Central Nervous System

Made up of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

Consists of cranial and spinal nerves.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as heart and smooth muscle.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement via skeletal muscle.

Cerebrum

Divided into right and left hemispheres by a deep groove called the longitudinal fissure.

Convolutions

Elevated folds on the surface of the cerebrum that increase surface area of the brain.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for emotions, personality, morality, intellect, speech, and smell.

Parietal Lobe

Receives and interprets nerve impulses from sensory receptors for pain, touch, heat, and cold.

Occipital Lobe

Houses the visual area, controlling eyesight.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing and facial recognition.

Cerebral Cortex

Controls conscious thought, judgment, memory, reasoning, and willpower.

Hypothalamus

Involved in autonomic nervous control, cardiovascular control, temperature control, appetite control, and sleep control.

Limbic System

Complex set of structures involved with motivation, emotion, mood, and memory.

Cerebellum

Controls body functions related to skeletal muscles, including balance, muscle tone, and coordination of muscle movements.

Brain Stem

Controls the flow of messages between the brain and the body, regulates basic body functions.

Meninges

Three membranes that line the skull and vertebral canal, protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Clear, colorless fluid that acts as a shock absorber and a source of nutrients for the brain.

Spinal Cord

Functions as a reflex center and conduction pathway to and from the brain, begins at foramen magnum.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body to react to danger, causing increased heart rate and other physiological changes.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Counteracts the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, primarily responsible for rest and digestion.

Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative disease causing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Epilepsy

Neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, leading to physical and cognitive impairments.

Cerebral Palsy

Group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, often caused by brain damage before or during birth.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, typically caused by infection.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis of one side of the body, often resulting from stroke or brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Brain dysfunction caused by an external force, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.

Parkinson's Disease

Progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance.

Poliomyelitis

Viral disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and muscle weakness.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of motor function, sensation, and autonomic regulation.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, often due to viral infections, causing fever and neurological symptoms.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Medical emergency where blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, potentially leading to brain damage.

Concussion

Mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, resulting in temporary cognitive and physical symptoms.