NERVOUS

• What is the nervous system composed of?

  Network of neurons and support cells
• What is the primary function of a neuron?

  To transmit electrical signals
• What is a nerve net?

  Simplest nervous system in cnidarians
• What does cephalization refer to?

  Clustering of sensory organs at the front
• What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  Nerves and ganglia outside the CNS
• What is a nerve?

  Bundle of axons
• What are ganglia?

  Clusters of neuron cell bodies outside the CNS
• What is a reflex?

  Automatic response to a stimulus
• What do dendrites do?

  Receive signals
• What is the function of an axon?

  Transmits signals away from the cell body
• What is the role of the myelin sheath?

  Speeds up impulse transmission
• What is a synapse?

  Junction between two neurons
• What is a neurotransmitter?

  Chemical messenger released at synapses
• What do astrocytes do?

  Provide structural support and regulate ions
• What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

  Form myelin in the CNS
• What do Schwann cells do?

  Form myelin in the PNS
• What is the role of microglia?

  Defend against pathogens
• What do ependymal cells do?

  Circulate cerebrospinal fluid
• What is the function of radial glia?

  Guide neuronal development in embryos
• What do afferent neurons do?

  Carry sensory information to CNS
• What is the role of efferent neurons?

  Carry signals away from CNS
• What does the motor system control?

  Voluntary skeletal muscles
• What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control?

  Involuntary functions like organs and glands
• What is the sympathetic division responsible for?

  “Fight or flight” response
• What does the parasympathetic division do?

  Slows heart and stimulates digestion
• What is the enteric division's function?

  Regulates digestion and gut activity
• What does the forebrain include?

  Cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus
• What is the function of the midbrain?

  Processes sensory input
• What does the hindbrain control?

  Coordination and vital functions
• What is the cerebrum responsible for?

  Voluntary movement, learning, memory
• What is the cerebral cortex?

  Outer layer of cerebrum
• What does the cerebellum coordinate?

  Movement and balance
• What does the medulla oblongata control?

  Breathing, heart rate, digestion
• What is the function of the pons?

  Connects medulla to higher brain regions
• What is the thalamus's role?

  Relay center for sensory information
• What does the hypothalamus maintain?

  Homeostasis and regulates various functions
• What does the pineal gland regulate?

  Sleep cycles with melatonin
• What are the language areas of the brain?

  Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas
• What does lateralization refer to?

  Specialization of brain hemispheres