Unit 1: Information Processing Vocabulary

cerebrum

• the largest part of the brain that controls conscious functions

• a small part of the brain responsible for balance

• the part of the brain that regulates breathing

• the area of the brain that processes visual information

spinal cord

• a bundle of nerves that runs along the backbone

• a type of muscle tissue

• the main organ of the respiratory system

• a part of the digestive system

bacteria

• single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and live almost everywhere

• multi-celled organisms that have a nucleus and live in specific environments

• unicellular organisms that can photosynthesize and require sunlight

• complex organisms that reproduce sexually and have specialized tissues

archaea

• single-celled organisms that often live in extreme environments

• multicellular organisms found in oceans

• organisms that can photosynthesize

• bacteria that cause diseases

brain stem

What is the function of the brain stem?

• connects the brain to the spinal cord

• regulates body temperature

• controls voluntary movements

• processes visual information

receptor

• a cell that responds to an external stimulus

• a type of neurotransmitter

• a hormone produced by glands

• a structure that transmits signals

reflex

• an automatic action that the body performs in reaction to something

• a voluntary movement made by the body

• a learned behavior that requires practice

• a conscious decision made by the brain

system

• a single structure that performs a function

• a group of structures that work together to perform a function

• an isolated component of a larger entity

• a temporary arrangement of parts

cerebellum

• back part of the brain that controls movement

• front part of the brain responsible for vision

• outer layer of the brain involved in decision making

• part of the brain that regulates breathing

tissue

• group of cells that work together

• a single cell performing a specific function

• a type of organ in the body

• a collection of different organs