Key Terms in Nervous System Anatomy

The central nervous system is responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions. It's made up of the brain and spinal cord.

The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. It allows communication between the brain and the body.

The autonomic nervous system operates automatically, controlling involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.

The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting digestion.

Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system. They are the basic units of the brain.

Neuroglia are supporting cells that provide structure, protection, and nourishment to neurons.

Synapses are specialized junctions where neurons communicate with each other by transmitting signals.

The study of various networks within the brain across different scales, from the smallest elements of genes and biomolecules to the intricate connections between neurons and brain systems.

A technique that uses antibodies to identify and visualize specific proteins within a tissue, highlighting their location through different colors.

Techniques that use light-activated ion channels from algae or bacteria (prokaryotes) to control the activity of neurons (eukaryotic cells).

A type of protein that acts as a light-sensitive ion channel, allowing for precise manipulation of neuronal activity.

A technique that uses genetically modified neurotransmitter receptors (DREADDs) to control neuronal activity with drugs instead of light.

A groove or fold in the brain's surface, increasing its surface area and enhancing its processing power.

A bulge or ridge on the brain's surface, increasing its surface area for greater processing.

The outer layer of the brain, rich in unmyelinated neurons (mostly interneurons), responsible for processing information and transmitting signals within the brain.

The brain is a complex organ that scientists are still trying to understand completely. One approach is to reverse engineer it, meaning to analyze its components and functions to figure out how it works.

The nervous systems of different species, even closely related ones, can vary significantly. However, some fundamental organizational principles are shared across species, particularly at higher levels of brain organization.

Scientists have proposed different models to understand the structure and function of the brain. Early models considered the brain as a collection of reflexes, with both short and long pathways. Modern views emphasize the importance of looping pathways and central pattern generators, which regulate an animal's behavioral state.

While most cells share common characteristics, neurons stand out due to their unique combination of genes and their expression pattern during development. This difference in gene expression is what ultimately gives neurons their distinct functionalities.

Neurons are responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system. This communication process includes the sending and receiving of signals across specialized junctions called synapses. The way neurons communicate with each other is essential for brain function.

The nervous system is made up of two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of all the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

The brain is further divided into three major parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Each part has distinct functions and structures, with the forebrain being responsible for higher-level cognitive processes, the midbrain for sensory and motor coordination, and the hindbrain for basic life support.

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. They have unique parts: dendrites receive signals, axons transmit signals, and synapses connect neurons.

Despite the complexity of the brain, only a small percentage of human genes are specific to brain function.

Parallel connections are formed when neurons in one brain region connect to neighboring neurons in another region. This allows for efficient transmission of information across brain areas.

Divergence allows a single neuron to send its information to multiple other neurons. Each receiving neuron can then process the information differently, creating varied responses.

Convergence allows information from different neurons to be combined and integrated into a single neuron. This enables the brain to process complex information by combining multiple inputs.

Negative feedback loops regulate neural activity by inhibiting excitatory signals. This ensures that neural activity stays within healthy limits and prevents runaway activation.