Nervous System
Science

A sudden reversal in the charge of a neuron’s membrane, also called a nerve impulse
Action potential
A sudden reversal in the charge of a neurons membrane, also called a nerve impulse. Action potential. An action potential is a quick electrical signal that travels along a neuron, allowing it to communicate with other cells.

A physical or psychological dependence on a substance, like drugs
Addiction
A physical or psychological dependence on a substance, like drugs, is called addiction. In simple scientific terms, addiction is when your brain gets used to a substance and makes you feel like you need it to function normally.

The structure that connects the brain to the spinal cord, it includes the pons and the medulla oblongata
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 basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus, most of the cytoplasm, and organelles
Cell body
The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus, most of the cytoplasm, and organelles is called the cell body. The cell body is like the main control center of a neuron, where important processes like energy production and information processing happen.

The brain and spinal cord, which form the control center of the nervous system
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord, which form the control center of the nervous system. Central nervous system. The central nervous system is like the body's command center, controlling actions and processing information.

The highly-folded, gray outer layer of the brain, it controls memory, learning and actions
Cerebral cortex
The highly-folded, gray outer layer of the brain, it controls memory, learning, and actions. The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain responsible for processing information and making decisions.

The largest part of the brain, it controls the senses, learning, movement, and memory
Cerebrum
The largest part of the brain, it controls the senses, learning, movement, and memory. Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the part of the brain responsible for thinking, controlling movements, and processing information from the senses.

A fluid-filled spiral structure in the ear that converts sound vibration into nerve impulses
Cochlea
A fluid-filled spiral structure in the ear that converts sound vibration into nerve impulses. Cochlea. The cochlea is a part of the inner ear that helps us hear by turning sounds into signals for our brain.

Occurs when larger doses of a drug are needed by the body to produce the same effect
Drug tolerance
Occurs when larger doses of a drug are needed by the body to produce the same effect. Drug tolerance. Drug tolerance is when your body gets used to a drug, so you need more of it to feel the same effect.

The part of the midbrain that controls the activities of the nervous & endocrine systems
Hypothalamus
The part of the midbrain that controls the activities of the nervous amp endocrine systems. Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small brain region that helps keep the body in balance by regulating hormones and maintaining body temperature.

The part of the brainstem that controls involuntary activities such as breathing & heart rate
Medulla oblongata
The part of the brainstem that controls involuntary activities such as breathing heart rate medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is the brain area responsible for controlling basic body functions like breathing and heart rate.

The part of the nervous system that controls body functions when the body is at rest
Parasympathetic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that controls body functions when the body is at rest parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system helps your body relax and conserve energy by slowing the heart rate and increasing digestion.

The nerves that carry signals between the entire body and the central nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
The nerves that carry signals between the entire body and the central nervous system. Peripheral nervous system. It includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that connect the body to the central nervous system.

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary actions, it connects the skin, skeleton, and muscles
Somatic nervous system
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary actions, it connects the skin, skeleton, and muscles. Somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system allows you to move your body by controlling muscles.

The part of the autonomic nervous system that controls the organs, and prepares the body for times of stress
Sympathetic nervous system
The part of the autonomic nervous system that controls the organs, and prepares the body for times of stress, is the sympathetic nervous system. It helps the body respond to stress by increasing heart rate and energy in a "fight or flight" situation.