Biology Chapter: The Human Nervous System

The central part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles, maintaining the neuron's structure and providing energy.

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

A long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits signals to other cells.

Gaps in the myelin sheath of an axon that speed up signal transmission.

Insulating layer around an axon that increases the speed of signal transmission.

Small knobs at the ends of axon branches where signals are transmitted to other cells.

Junction between a neuron's terminal buttons and another cell's dendrites, where signals are transmitted.

Support cells in the nervous system that provide support, insulation, and nutrition to neurons.

A complex network of nerves and cells carrying messages to and from the brain, spinal cord, and body.

A nerve cell that carries nerve impulses (messages).

Receiving and transmitting information throughout the body, including sensory input and signals to muscles.

A neuron that cannot be replaced if destroyed; it doesn't reproduce.

The central part of a neuron, containing the nucleus and responsible for the neuron's nourishment and maintenance.

The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Neurons have distinct parts, including the soma, dendrites, and axon, that work together to transmit signals.

A neuron is a specialized machine converting energy into nerve impulses; The entire human body is a machine converting food energy into bodily function.

Compounds released during exercise, excitement, pain, and sex, causing feelings of well-being or euphoria.

Carry signals from sense organs to the brain and spinal cord.

Carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

Carry signals between sensory and motor neurons.

The brain and spinal cord.

The part of the CNS that controls thought, memory, speech, and body functions.

The part of the CNS that transmits signals between the brain and body.

The ability of a neuron to respond to a stimulus.

Glands that release secretions through ducts to the body surface.

Glands that release secretions, called hormones, directly into the bloodstream.

Master gland; controls other endocrine glands.

Pituitary hormone; controls body growth.

Gland that controls metabolism, located near the throat.

Thyroid hormone that controls basal metabolism.

Located above kidneys; has cortex and medulla; involved in stress response/other functions.

Adrenal medulla hormone; crucial in emotional responses (Fight-or-flight).

Adrenaline prepares the body for 'fight or flight' by increasing muscular strength and resistance to fatigue.

The pancreas secretes insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.

Low insulin leads to high blood sugar as cells can't use sugar properly, possibly causing diabetes.

Too much insulin leads to rapid sugar use, causing weakness, sweating, and potentially collapse.

The testes produce testosterone, responsible for male secondary sex characteristics.

Ovaries secrete estrogen for female characteristics and progesterone for uterine preparation during pregnancy.

The motor homunculus in the frontal lobe controls body movement via messages to the spinal cord.

Balance and coordination involve multiple pathways in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem.

The ability to think about objects in three dimensions, like mentally rotating them or imagining their shapes.

Creativity often involves breaking down problems, analyzing them, and finding new ways to solve them logically.

It means to come up with creative solutions by not limiting yourself to traditional approaches or assumptions.

A brief interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing temporary loss of function. It's like a mini-stroke, but the effects resolve quickly.

Brain damage due to an interruption of blood flow. This can be caused by a blood clot or a bleed.

An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking an artery, while a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a bleed in the brain.

Factors that increase your chances of stroke, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and brain aneurysms.

Injuries to the head can cause bleeding, fractures, bruises, and even death, leading to problems like vision loss, paralysis, and cognitive decline.