The Nervous System Overview

The body's communication network, responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the body and the brain.

Regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

Activates the 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing the body for action or escape.

Promotes relaxation and recovery after a stressful situation.

The control center of the nervous system, responsible for processing information, controlling motor functions, and regulating vital functions.

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

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body, facilitating communication and coordination.

The part of the brain responsible for processing information.

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and decision making.

A part of the brain that is located at the back of the brain and is involved in motor coordination, balance, and certain cognitive functions.

The part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates basic physiological functions like heartbeat, breathing, and sleep.

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements and conveys sensory information.

A type of cell that is responsible for transmitting electrical signals in the nervous system.

Chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.

The space between two neurons where communication occurs.

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction and memory. It is often depleted in people with Alzheimer's disease, contributing to their memory loss.

A part of the brain located below the parietal lobe that is responsible for language comprehension, speech formation, learning, and memory.

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neural activity. It helps calm the brain and promote relaxation.

The ongoing debate about whether genetics or environment plays a greater role in shaping our behavior.

Studies that compare similarities between individuals with different levels of genetic relatedness. They help us understand the genetic basis of behavior.

The study of how environmental factors influence gene expression. It shows that both genetic predispositions and life experiences can shape behavior.

A hormone released primarily in response to darkness that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).

Neurochemicals that are known as the body's natural painkillers and mood enhancers. They help reduce pain, promote feelings of happiness, and relieve stress.

A neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and movement. It plays a role in feelings of pleasure and reinforcement, driving us to continue activities that lead to positive outcomes. Low dopamine levels are linked to conditions like Parkinson's disease, which affects movement.

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Increases in serotonin are linked to improved mood and well-being. Low serotonin levels are associated with conditions like depression and anxiety. It also helps you feel full after eating and contributes to your sleep-wake cycle.

Located at the back of the brain, the occipital lobe is responsible for visual processing, interpretation, and perception. It helps us see the world, interpret what we see, and understand things like color, motion, and depth.

Found between the frontal and occipital lobes, the parietal lobe is responsible for processing sensory information like touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and position. It also plays a key role in spatial processing and manipulation, helping us understand three-dimensional space.

The ability to understand how objects and spaces are arranged in three dimensions, and how to move and manipulate them effectively.

The ability to understand where things are in relation to yourself and each other, including distance and direction. It's essential for navigating and interacting with the world.

The ability to recognize familiar objects and faces. It relies on complex processing in the brain to identify patterns and features.