Divisions of the nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

The group of nerves in the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions

Somatic nervous system

The group of nerves in the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary actions

Concussion

A bruiselike injury of the brain that occurs when the soft tissue of the brain collides against the skull

Reflex

An automatic response that occurs rapidly and without conscious control

Central nervous system

The diversion of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system

The division of the nervous system consisting of all of the nerves located outside the central nervous system

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates muscle actions and help maintain balance

Cerebrum

The part of the brain that interprets input from the senses, controls movement, and carries out complex mental processes

Brain stem

The part of the brain that lies between the cerebellum and spinal cord, and controls the body's involuntary actions

Brain

The part of the nervous system that controls most functions in the body

Spinal cord

The thick column of nerve tissue that links the brain to most of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system