Chapter 2

Hindbrain

Region at the base of the brain that connects the braIn tot he spinal cord.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The body's emergency system, rapidly activating bodily systems to meet threats or emergencies. The brach of the autonomic nervous system that produces rapid physical arousal in response to perceived emergencies or threats.

Central Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Nervoys System

The primary internal communication network of the bod; divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system Specialized for communication, up to 1 trillion neurons are linked throughout your body in complex, organized communication network called the nervous system.

Forebrain

Uppermost and largest brain region

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Conserves and maintains your physical resources. The brach of the autonomic nervous system that maintains normal bodily functions and conserves the bidi's physical resources.

Medulla

Controls breathing, heartbeat, and other vital life functions.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement, balance, and posture

Pons

Helps coordinate movements on the left and right sides of body

Amygdala

Its involved in a variety of emotional responses, including fear, anger, and disgust. Some neuroscientists believe that the amygdala aids in the detecting and responding to environmental stimuli that are relevant to an organisms goal. Involved in learning and forming memories, specially those with string emotional component.

MRI

Produces highly detailed images of the body's structures and tissues, using electromagnetic signals generated by the body in response to magnetic fields.

PET Scan

Provides color-coded images of the brain activity by tracking the brain's use of radioactively tagged compound, such as glucose, oxygen, or a drug. Red and Yellow Colors- Highlight areas with the highest level of activity Green and Blue Colors- Indicate lowers levels of brain activity

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system and the nervous system are directly linked by the hypothalamus in the brain, which controls the pituitary gland. In turn, the pituitary releases hormones that affect the hormone production of several other endocrine glands. Endocrine Glands: Pineal Gland- produces melatonin, which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles Hypothalamus- controls the pituitary gland; links nervous system and endocrine system. Pituitary Gland- regulates activities of several other glands; produces growth hormone, prolactin, and oxytocin. Thyroid Gland- controls body metabolism rate Adrenal Glands- produce epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine; involved in stress and fight-or-flight responses. Pancreas- regulates blood sugar and insulin level; involved in hunger Ovaries- secrete estrogen and progesterone, which regulate female sexual development and reproduction and influence sexual behavior Testes- secrete testosterone, which regulates male sexual development and reproduction and influences sexual behavior

The Cerebral Cortex

The outer portion the forebrain, the cerebral cortex, is divided into two cerebral hemispheres. The word cortex means "bark" and much like the bark of a tree, the cerebral cortex is the outer covering of the forebrain.