8.3 - 8.4 CNS and PNS

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the CNS, connecting it to limbs and organs.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that conduct signals from the CNS to muscles and glands to initiate responses.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information from sensory organs to the CNS.

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that controls involuntary movements and regulates bodily functions.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and activates the 'rest and digest' response.

Grey Matter

Part of the CNS that contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

White Matter

Part of the CNS that contains myelinated axons.

Reflex Centre

The part of the spinal cord that coordinates reflex actions.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions, divided into lobes.

Frontal Lobe

Part of the brain involved in behavior, personality, and decision-making processes.

Temporal Lobe

Part of the brain associated with hearing and language comprehension.

Parietal Lobe

Part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information related to touch.

Occipital Lobe

Part of the brain responsible for visual processing.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Broca's Area

Region of the brain that is crucial for speech production and language processing.

Wernicke's Area

Region of the brain that is important for language comprehension.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that regulates coordination, posture, and balance.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

Homeostasis

The process through which the body maintains a stable internal environment.

Astasia-Abasia

A condition where patients are on the verge of falling, often due to coordination issues.

Capgras Syndrome

A delusion where patients believe a loved one has been replaced by an imposter.

Phantom Pain Sensations

Perceptions experienced relating to a limb or organ that is no longer physically present.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic neurons that promotes rest and digest responses.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter released by sympathetic neurons that activates fight or flight responses.