Download Vocabulary: Chapter 1 Body Control Systems Neuron

Vocabulary: Chapter 1 Body Control Systems
Neuron- A nerve cell
Central nervous system- part of nervous system, brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system, part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system with all
the other parts of the body.
Cerebrum- the part of the brain that controls thinking and voluntary movements and receives
information from the senses.
Cerebellum- the part of the brain that coordinates movements and helps maintain balance.
Brain stem- part of the brain that controls involuntary actions, such as breathing: connects the brain to
the spinal cord.
Hypothalamus- part of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, and emotions.
Spinal cord- bundle of neurons that carries messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of
the body.
Sensory receptor- cell within the peripheral nervous system that gathers information from the
environment and from inside the body.
Sensory neuron- nerve cell in the peripheral nervous system that carries information from sensory
receptors to the CNS.
Motor neuron- nerve cell in the peripheral nervous system that carries information from the CNS to the
muscles and organs.
Retina- an area at the back of the eye that contains sensory receptors for light.
Dendrite- part of a neuron that collects information from other neurons.
Nerve impulse- message that travels from the dendrites of a neuron to the axon.
Axon- part of the neuron that carries messages away from the cell body.
Synapse- the gap between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of a second neuron.
Endocrine gland- a tissue or organ that releases chemical substances into the bloodstream.
Hormone- chemical released by glands that causes target cells to perform specific activities.
Endocrine system- body system consisting of glands, hormones, and target cells that work together to
control various functions in the body.