Psychology (Biology and Behavior key
terms)
central nervous system - Answer-the part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and
spinal cord
peripheral nervous system - Answer-communicates between the central nervous system and all
the parts of the body
neuron - Answer-nerve cells that provide communication through the body
cell body - Answer-produces energy for the cell
dendrite - Answer-receives impulses and conducts them to the cell body
axon - Answer-carries messages away from the cell body
myelin - Answer-insulates and protects the axon
axon terminal - Answer-small fibers branching out form end of axon
synapse - Answer-the junction between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites of
another neuron
neurotransmitter - Answer-chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands
spinal cord - Answer-column of nerves within the spine that transits messages to and from the
brain
somatic nervous system - Answer-transmits senses to the central nervous system
autonomic nervous - Answer-regulates the body's vital functions Ex: heartbeat, breathing,
digestion, and blood pressure
medulla - Answer-vital functions, heart rate,respiration, balance
pons - Answer-body movement, attention, and sleep
cerebellum - Answer-balance and coordination
reticular activating system - Answer-attention, sleep, and arousal
thalamus - Answer-a relay station for sensory information
hypothalamus - Answer-regulates body temperature., motivation, and emotion. Also involved in
hunger, thirst, and sex behavior.
terms)
central nervous system - Answer-the part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and
spinal cord
peripheral nervous system - Answer-communicates between the central nervous system and all
the parts of the body
neuron - Answer-nerve cells that provide communication through the body
cell body - Answer-produces energy for the cell
dendrite - Answer-receives impulses and conducts them to the cell body
axon - Answer-carries messages away from the cell body
myelin - Answer-insulates and protects the axon
axon terminal - Answer-small fibers branching out form end of axon
synapse - Answer-the junction between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites of
another neuron
neurotransmitter - Answer-chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands
spinal cord - Answer-column of nerves within the spine that transits messages to and from the
brain
somatic nervous system - Answer-transmits senses to the central nervous system
autonomic nervous - Answer-regulates the body's vital functions Ex: heartbeat, breathing,
digestion, and blood pressure
medulla - Answer-vital functions, heart rate,respiration, balance
pons - Answer-body movement, attention, and sleep
cerebellum - Answer-balance and coordination
reticular activating system - Answer-attention, sleep, and arousal
thalamus - Answer-a relay station for sensory information
hypothalamus - Answer-regulates body temperature., motivation, and emotion. Also involved in
hunger, thirst, and sex behavior.
