Lesson 8 Vocab

VT Biol 1106

Autonomic NS

The part of the nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, critical for maintaining homeostasis in vertebrates. Contains little to no myelin or axons. Uses pre and post ganglionic neurons to reach effectors.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits electrochemical signals away from the nerve cell body, critical for communication within the nervous system. When covered in a myelin sheath it is considered myelinated.

Brain

The central organ of the nervous system in vertebrates, responsible for processing sensory information, regulating motor functions, and coordinating behaviors.

Brain stem

The part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Cell body

The enlarged part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the cell’s health and integrating incoming signals.

Central NS

The portion of the nervous system comprised of the brain and spinal cord, which acts as the main control center for processing information.

Central sulcus

A prominent groove in the brain that separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe, playing a role in the organization of sensory and motor functions.

Cerebellum

A major part of the brain that regulates motor control and coordination, critical for movement precision in vertebrates.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum that plays key roles in memory, attention, perception, cognition, and awareness in vertebrates.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the vertebrate brain, involved in higher cognitive processes including thought, action, and emotion.

Contralateral

Referring to the opposite side; in the context of the nervous system, it often describes functions or inputs that are processed on the opposite hemisphere of the brain (Left hemisphere controls right side motor functions).

Corpus callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them.

Reflex arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, consisting of sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons in response to stimuli. Bypasses the brain to transmit signals to effectors.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and sensory receptors, crucial for neural communication.

Diencephalon

A region of the brain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory transmission and homeostasis.

Dorsal root

The part of a spinal nerve that contains the sensory fibers entering the spinal cord, playing a key role in transmitting sensory information.

Electrochemical impulse

The electrical signal that travels along neurons, essential for communication within the nervous system.

Fore brain

The most advanced part of the brain involved in complex functions such as reasoning, emotions, and sensory processing.

Frontal lobe

The part of the cerebral cortex associated with reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

Ganglia

Clusters of neuronal cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system that process and relay information.

Hind brain

The part of the brain that includes structures such as the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, responsible for basic life functions and motor control.

Interneuron

A type of neuron that serves as a connector between sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Meninges

Three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, ensuring the central nervous system's safety.

Mid brain

A central part of the brain involved in vision, hearing, and motor control, connecting higher brain centers to the spinal cord.

Monosynaptic

Describes a reflex arc that consists of only one synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.

Motor neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, resulting in movement.

Motor pathway

The neural pathways that convey signals from the brain to muscles for motion.

Myelin sheath

The insulating layer surrounding axons that enhances the speed of electrical impulse transmission in the nervous system.

Nerve

A bundle of axons in the peripheral nervous system that transmits sensory and motor signals.

Nervous system (NS)

The complex network of neurons and supporting cells that coordinate voluntary and involuntary actions in vertebrates.

Neuron

The fundamental unit of the nervous system that transmits information via electrochemical signals.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the nervous system, providing insulation, nutrients, and structural support to neurons.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath on axons that facilitate rapid conduction of electrical impulses between segments.

Occipital lobe

The area of the cerebral cortex that processes visual information.

Oligodendrocyte

A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produces myelin to insulate axons.

Optic tectum

A brain region involved in processing visual information in lower vertebrates; associated with visual reflexes.

Parasympathetic

A division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and digestion, countering the effects of the sympathetic division.

Parietal lobe

The region of the cerebral cortex that processes sensory information from the body and spatial orientation.

Peripheral NS

The system of nerves that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body, including sensory and motor pathways.

Primary motor cortex

The area in the frontal lobe responsible for the planning and execution of voluntary movements.

Primary somatic cortex

The area of the parietal lobe that processes tactile and proprioceptive information from the body.

Reflex arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, typically involving a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that transmit sensory information from receptors in the body to the central nervous system.

Sensory pathway

The neural routes through which sensory information travels to reach the central nervous system.

Sensory receptors

Specialized cells that detect and respond to specific types of sensory stimuli, such as light, sound, or touch.

Schwann cell

A type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system that produces myelin sheaths around axons.

Simple reflex arc

A basic neural pathway consisting of a sensory neuron and a motor neuron, facilitating immediate responses to stimuli.

Somatic NS

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements and reflexes.

Spinal cord

The long, tubular structure extending from the brain stem down the vertebral column, carrying signals between the brain and the body.

Sympathetic

A division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, enhancing alertness and physical performance.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, where neurotransmitters are released to facilitate communication between them.

Synaptic terminal

The end part of an axon where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse.

Temporal lobe

The part of the cerebral cortex involved in processing auditory information and is also important for memory and emotion.