Chapter 17-1: The Nervous System Central Nervous System: part of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): all of the parts of the nervous system except for the brain and the spinal cord. Neuron: a nerve cell that is specialized to receive and conduct electrical impulses. -nerve cell specialized for transferring messages.
Nerve: a collection of nerve fibers thru which impulses travel b/t the central nervous system and other parts of the body. -axons bundled w/ blood vessels and connective tissue. Brain: the organ that is the main control center of the nervous system.
Medulla: brain region controlling heart rate. Cerebellum: brain region that helps maintain balance. Axon: part of a neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body. Homeostasis: maintained b y sympathetic and parasympathetic systems working together.
Somatic Nervous System: system in which most neurons control voluntary movements. Receptor: specialized nerve ending that detects changes inside and outside the body. **Spinal cord severely damaged will likely effect a person’s inability to move his or her body below the injury.