1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.