Nervous System Organization

The brain's lifelong ability to reorganize and change its structure and function by forming new neural connections.

• Synaptic pruning
• Cognitive decline
• Neuroplasticity
• Neurogenesis

The formation (generation) of new neurons.

• Neuroplasticity
• Neurodegeneration
• Neuroinflammation
• Neurogenesis

Immature cells that have the potential to develop into almost any type of cell, depending on the chemical signals they receive.

• Red blood cells
• Stem cells
• Platelets
• Neurons

An innate, automatic response to a stimulus that has biological relevance for an organism.

• Voluntary action
• Instinct
• Reflex
• Conditioned response

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
• Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the brain composed of the nerves and neurons connecting the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

• Somatic nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Peripheral nervous system

The subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that connects the central nervous system to sensory receptors and controls the body.

• Somatic nervous system
• Enteric nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system

The subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's involuntary motor responses.

• Sensory nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Somatic nervous system

The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is responsible for arousing the body and mobilizing its energy during times of stress; also called "fight or flight"system.

• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Somatic nervous system

The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is responsible for calming the body and conserving energy.

• Central nervous system
• Somatic nervous system
• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system