Key Components of the Nervous System and Their Functions

Cerebr/o

Cerebrum, brain

Encephal/o

Brain

Myel/o

Spinal cord, bone marrow

Neur/i; neur/o

Nerve, nerve tissue

Caus/o

Burning, burn

Concuss/o

Shaken together, violently agitated

Contus/o

Bruise

-esthesia

Sensation, feeling

esthet/o

Feeling, nervous sensation, sense of perception.

-graphy

The process of reproducing a picture or record

mening/o

Membranes, meninges

phobia

Abnormal fear

psych/o

Mind

radicul/o

Root, or nerve root

-tropic

Having an affinity for.

Afferent neurons

Also known as sensory neurons, these neurons emerge from sensory organs and the skin to carry the impulses from the sensory organs toward the brain and spinal cord.

Connecting neurons

Also known as associative neurons, these neurons link afferent and efferent neurons.

Efferent neurons

Also known as motor neurons, these neurons carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord and toward the muscles and glands.

Cerebrum

The _____ is the largest and uppermost part of the brain; it consists of four lobes.

Thalamus

Relays sensory stimuli from the spinal cord and midbrain to the cerebral cortex. The ____ suppresses some stimuli and magnifies others.

Hypothalamus

Controls vital bodily functions.

Cerebellum

Coordinates muscular activity and balance for smooth and steady movements.

Brainstem

The _____ is located in the base of the brain and forms the connection between the brain and the spinal cord; It consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.