The Nervous System

made up of the neurons, brain, and spinal cord; controls all body functions

made up of neurons that connect to the central nervous system; controls reflexes and the "Fight or Flight" reactions

controls bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestive processes

part of the peripheral nervous system associated with skeletal muscle control of body movement

the main organ, made up of billions of neurons, of the central nervous system; the command center for the entire body

the three membranes that line the skull and vertebral canal and enclose and protect the brain and spinal cord

protective fluid that cushions the brain within the skull; serves as a shock absorber for the central nervous system

(forebrain) receives and processes sensory information such as thinking, understanding and producing language and motor functions; responsible for learning, thinking, and judgement; largest area of the brain

(hindbrain) functions in maintaining balance and equilibrium, movement coordination and processing some sensory information.

(medulla) deep in the center of the brain that controls all automatic functions; responsible for auditory and visual responses as well as some motor function

the relay station for the senses

A neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs eating, drinking, body temperature; helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion

associated with memory, in particular long-term memory

part of the limbic system within the brain, which is responsible for emotions, survival instincts, and memory.

involved in motor function, problem solving, spontaneity, memory, language, initiation, judgement, impulse control, and social and sexual behaior