The Brain: Glossary

B

brain stem

the part of the brain that performs basic life functions like breathing and heart beat

C

central nervous system

the brain and spinal cord working together

cerebellum

the little brain just under the cerebrum which deals with posture and movement

cerebral cortex

the densely wrinkled part of the brain also known as the cerebrum

cerebrum

the largest portion of the brain dealing with higher brain function

corpus callosum

a structure that connects and communicates between the right and left hemisphere of the brain

H

hemispheres

each half of the brain is known as a hemisphere

homunculus

a representation of the parts of the brain and the percentage of nerves controlling those portions

N

neurons

cells of the nervous system that conduct electrical impulses

neuroscientist

a doctor or scientist that studies the brain

P

peripheral nervous system

the nerves of the portions of the body on the outer edges

R

reflexes

the actions that our body does without our thinking about it - blinking, sneezing, coughing

S

sensory neurons

cells that conduct impulses related to our senses of hearing, tasting, sight, etc

skull

also called the cranium - the bones of the head

spinal cord

the collection of nerves that run through our spine and connects all parts of the body to the brain

synapse

the connection between two neurons where impulses are passed