Understanding the Human Brain and Nervous System
Classified in Biology
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Thalamus
Regulates communication between several parts of the brain and the endocrine system.
Corpus Callosum
Structure made of nerves that bridges two hemispheres.
Hippocampus
Part of the limbic system, responsible for long-term memory.
Cerebellum
Responsible for motion, balance, and new learning. Exterior grey matter, interior grey matter.
Brainstem
Several regions including medulla oblongata (elongates into the spinal column). Location of several centers of involuntary nervous control.
Hypothalamus
Master gland of the endocrine system, controlling most of its activity.
Two Cerebral Hemispheres
Surfaces known as cerebral cortex and comprised of grey matter. Folder structure made of rounded gyri and recessed sulci divide the lobes.
Spinal Cord
Brings messages back and forth between the brain and the body. Information goes to the brain and motor responses coming from the brain. Capable of rapid, automatic responses known as reflex arcs.
Nerve Impulse
Electrical signal that travels rapidly through a neuron from the dendrites to the axon.
Synaptic Transmission
The signal passes across the synapse to the dendrite in the next cell through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
3 Types of Neurons
- Interneurons: Central nervous system. They connect sensory and motor neurons.
- Sensory Neurons: Carry messages from the receptors to the central nervous system.
- Motor Neurons: Carry messages from the central nervous system to the receptors.
Reflex Arcs
Synaptic transmission occurs between sensory neurons and motor neurons. 1- Receive sensory input, nerve impulse moves towards the brain, relaying the message. 2- At the same time, a 'short circuit' within the spinal cord, automatic response helps prevent an injury.
Anatomic Division
1- Central Nervous System: Neurons entirely confined within the brain and spinal cord. 2- Peripheral Nervous System: All neurons at least partially outside the organs of the central nervous system.