Coordination in Humans - Chapter 17

A type of neuron that carries impulses from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS).

A type of neuron that carries impulses from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands).

A type of neuron that connects other neurons within the CNS. They act as intermediaries, aiding in the processing of information between sensory and motor neurons.

The long, slender projection of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

A fatty substance that covers the axons of some neurons, acting as an insulator and speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Bundles of nerve fibers (axons) wrapped in connective tissue that carry impulses to and from the CNS.

Specialized cells or structures that respond to specific stimuli and convert them into nerve impulses.

The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS), which controls all the body's activities. It's a crucial part of our nervous system!

Neurons are the building blocks of the central nervous system. Damage to these cells can be slow to heal or even permanent.

The skull protects the brain, and the vertebral column (backbone) protects the spinal cord. These structures provide strong physical protection.

The meninges are a set of three membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, offering another layer of protection.

Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord, preventing damage from shocks and bumps. It also provides essential support.

Inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis. This condition can be caused by bacteria or viruses and can be diagnosed by testing cerebrospinal fluid.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis.

A neuron can communicate with many other neurons. This allows the brain to process information and control complex actions.

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions like consciousness, voluntary actions, speech, and movement.

The outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for processing information and controlling higher-level functions.

The folded structure of the cerebral cortex, which increases surface area for more neurons to fit.

The tissue in the brain consisting of neuron cell bodies, appearing gray due to the lack of myelin.

The tissue in the brain composed of myelinated nerve fibers, appearing white due to the presence of myelin.

The two halves of the cerebrum, separated by a deep groove and connected by nerve fibers.

The left cerebral hemisphere controls the right side of the body, and the right cerebral hemisphere controls the left side of the body.

The nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system, enabling communication between different parts of the body.

Long, slender projections of neurons that carry signals away from the cell body.

Branching extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

A fatty substance that covers some axons, insulating them and speeding up nerve impulse transmission.

Nerve cells that carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Nerve cells that carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Nerve cells that connect other neurons within the CNS, aiding in processing information.

The outer layer of the cerebellum, responsible for precise and coordinated voluntary movements. It's made of gray matter, while the inner layer is made of white matter.

The cerebellum is part of the brain responsible for coordinating muscle contractions, ensuring smooth movements, and maintaining balance.

Damage to the cerebellum can disrupt coordination, leading to jerky and uncoordinated movements.

The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brain and controls vital involuntary actions like heartbeat and breathing.

Unlike the cerebrum and cerebellum, the medulla oblongata has gray matter on the inside and white matter on the outside.

The medulla oblongata acts as the reflex center, coordinating reflex actions like sneezing, coughing, and swallowing.

Reflex actions are involuntary and automatic responses to stimuli, like withdrawing your hand from a hot object.

Involuntary actions are those that are not under conscious control, like heartbeat and breathing.

A chemical messenger produced by endocrine glands and secreted directly into the bloodstream. They are highly specific, acting on particular target organs, and are effective in very low concentrations.

The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones then travel throughout the body to regulate various functions.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. It helps cells absorb glucose from the blood and convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage.

When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin. This hormone binds to receptors on liver cells, stimulating them to absorb more glucose from the blood and store it as glycogen.

A complex carbohydrate that is stored in the liver and muscles. It can be readily broken down into glucose when blood sugar levels need to be raised.

It's the process by which blood is circulated throughout the body. The heart acts as a pump, propelling blood through a network of blood vessels.

The liver plays an essential role in regulating blood glucose levels. It stores glucose in the form of glycogen, releases glucose into the bloodstream when needed, and helps process other nutrients from food.

The small intestine is where most of the absorption of nutrients, including glucose, occurs. After digestion, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream.