Nervous System and the Eye

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions autonomic nervous system. It is the system that automatically manages things your body does without you thinking, like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

Axon

An extension of the neuron that carries messages away from the nerve cell body. Axon. An axon is a part of a nerve cell that helps send information to other cells.

Brain

The organ that is the control center of the nervous system. The brain is the body's main command center that controls thoughts, emotions, and movement.

Brain stem

The structure that connects the brain to the spinal cord, it includes the pons and the medulla oblongata. Brain stem. The brain stem controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Central nervous system

The brain and spinal cord, which form the control center of the nervous system. Central nervous system. The central nervous system controls all the activities of the body by processing and sending signals between the brain and body.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates movement and balance cerebellum. The cerebellum is like the brain's helper, making sure our movements are smooth and we keep our balance.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, it controls the senses, learning, movement, and memory. Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the brain region responsible for processing information and guiding key functions like thinking and moving.

Cochlea

A fluid-filled spiral structure in the ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses. Cochlea. The cochlea is a part of the inner ear that helps us hear by transforming sound into signals the brain can understand.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye, through which light enters it. Cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye and helps focus light onto the retina.

Dendrite

A threadlike extension of a neuron that receives impulses from other neurons. Dendrite. A dendrite is a part of a nerve cell that collects signals from other cells to help the brain communicate and process information.

Eye lens

The structure in the eye that focuses light onto the retina. Eye lens. The eye lens is a clear, flexible component that helps you see by focusing light onto the retina.

Iris

The colored part of the eye, it controls how much light enters the eye. Iris. The iris is a ring-shaped tissue that adjusts the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye.

Neuron

A nerve cell that carries impulses in the nervous system. neuron. Neurons are like tiny messengers in our body that send and receive signals to help us think, feel, and move.

Peripheral nervous system

The nerves that carry signals between the entire body and the central nervous system. Peripheral nervous system. It is a network of nerves outside the brain and spine that connects the rest of the body to the central nervous system.

Pupil

The opening at the center of the iris, through which light enters the eye. Pupil. The pupil is the adjustable opening in the eye that controls how much light enters.

Reflex

An automatic response to stimulus without conscious control, like a blink or blush. Reflex. In science, a reflex is a quick and involuntary reaction of the body to a specific trigger, like a knee-jerk when tapped.

Retina

The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, it contains rods and cones. Retina. The retina is a part of the eye that detects light and sends signals to the brain to create visual images.

Stimulus

Anything that causes an organism to react. Stimulus. A stimulus is something in the environment that triggers a response from a living organism.

Synapse

The small gap where impulses travel from one neuron's axon to another neuron's dendrite. Synapse. A synapse is a tiny junction where nerve signals are passed between neurons, allowing them to communicate.