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Chapter 8 Review
Nerves, Senses, Brain & Eyes
41
Biology
9th Grade
11/04/2009

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Term
Accommodation
Definition
the adjustment of the lens of the eye for focusing on objects at various distances.
Term
Autonomic Nervous System
Definition
the portion of the nervous system that controls such unconscious functions as the activities of the heart, other visceral organs, and various glands.
Term
Blind Spot
Definition
the point on the retina of the eye where the optic nerve leaves the eyeball, at which there are no light-sensitive cells to receive visual messages.
Term
Blood-brain Barrier
Definition
the tightly sealed walls of capillaries in the central nervous system that prevent harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms from entering the brain or cerebrospinal fluid.
Term
Brain Stem
Definition
the base of the brain, consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
the part of the brain that lies behind the brain stem and just below the occipital lobe of the cerebrum; primary function is to coordinate skeletal muscle activity
Term
Cerebral Cortex
Definition
outer layer of the cerebrum
Term
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Definition
the fluid that occupies the ventricles of the brain, the subarachnoid space of the meninges, and the central canal of the spinal cord; serves to protect and nourish brain and spinal tissue
Term
Cerebrum
Definition
the portion of the brain that occupies the upper part of the cranial cavity and is responsible for thought, memory, and learned behavior
Term
Choroid
Definition
a layer of connective tissue of the eye that is rich in blood vessels and provides the eye with nourishment; considered part of the uvea
Term
Ciliary Body
Definition
the front portion of the choroid of the eye that contains the ciliary muscles and adjusts the curvature of the lens for focusing
Term
Cochlea
Definition
the snail-shaped portion of the inner ear that contains the sensory receptors for the sense of hearing
Term
Coma
Definition
a prolonged state of unconsciousness
Term
Concussion
Definition
a period of paralysis of the central nervous system accompanied by a short period of unconsciousness (usually less than five minutes and rarely more than ten minutes) caused by a blow to the head
Term
Cone Cells
Definition
visual receptor cells located in the retina of the eye that are responsible for color vision; also called cone cells
Term
Cornea
Definition
the transparent front portion of the outer layer of the eyeball
Term
Decibel
Definition
a measurement of the relative intensity or loudness of sound
Term
Eardrum
Definition
a tough, tightly stretched membrane of skin in the ear that detects sound vibrations and transmits them by means of special bones to the cochlea
Term
Glaucoma
Definition
a condition in which the pressure of the fluid inside the eye becomes higher than normal; can cause permanent damage to the retina if left untreated
Term
Iris
Definition
the colored portion of the uvea at the front of the eye that regulates the size of the pupil
Term
Lens
Definition
the transparent, convex structure of the eye, behind the iris, that adjusts the focus of light rays passing through it; responsible for accommodation
Term
Limbic System
Definition
a group of several structures located at the core of the brain that are thought to coordinate the activity of the different parts of the brain and seem to be important in generating and regulating emotions and desires
Term
Medulla Oblongata
Definition
the lowest part of the brain stem, located between the pons and the spinal cord, whose nerve centers control such vital functions as breathing and heartbeat
Term
Meninges
Definition
triple layer of tissues that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord
Term
Neurobiologist
Definition
a biologist who specializes in the study of the nervous system
Term
Neurologist
Definition
a physician who specializes in disorders of the nervous system
Term
Pupil
Definition
the opening in the iris through which light enters the eye
Term
Reflex
Definition
a quick, automatic response to a stimulus in which the nerve impulse bypasses the brain
Term
REM sleep
Definition
a period of sleep characterized by small, fast brain waves similar to those of an awake person, accompanied by rapid eye movements as though watching the events off a dream
Term
Retina
Definition
the light-sensitive layer of the eye
Term
Rhodopsin
Definition
the substance in rod cells that detects light consists of a molecule derived from vitamin A suspended in a protein framework; also known as visual purple
Term
Rod Cells
Definition
visual receptor cells located in retina of the eye that are responsible for night vision; also called rod cells
Term
Schwann Cell
Definition
glial cells that wrap around nerve-cell axons in peripheral nerves, providing them with layers of myelin sheathing that acts much like the insulation on an electrical wire
Term
Sclera
Definition
the tough, white outer layer of the eye
Term
Sensorineural deafness
Definition
partial or complete hearing loss resulting from repeated or prolonged exposure to excessively loud sounds
Term
Stroke
Definition
a serious injury of the nervous system that results when part of the brain is deprived of blood as a result of a blockage or rupture in a blood vessel
Term
Synapse
Definition
the narrow junction between the axon of one nerve cell and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron
Term
Taste Bud
Definition
chemoreceptors on the tongue responsible for the sense of taste
Term
Tinnitus
Definition
a buzzing or ringing in the ears that occurs without any external stimulus’ often results from inner-ear damage caused by excessive exposure to loud noises
Term
Uvea
Definition
the pigmented, vascular layer of the eye, consisting of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris
Term
Whiplash
Definition
a neck injury characterized by pain, muscle spasm, and limited motion of the neck, caused by injury to the spinal nerves that protrude from the cervical vertebrae
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