CNS, PNS, and Reflexes Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing the central and peripheral nervous systems, brain structures, and reflexes.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions.

Precentral Gyrus

Also known as the primary motor cortex, controls voluntary movements.

Postcentral Gyrus

Also known as the primary somatosensory cortex, receives sensory information from the body.

Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the temporal lobe associated with language comprehension.

Basal Nuclei

Groups of nuclei in the brain involved in motor control; dysfunction can lead to movement disorders, e.g., Parkinson's.

Thalamus

A sensory relay station in the diencephalon.

Hypothalamus

A region in the diencephalon that maintains homeostasis and controls the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system.

Epithalamus

A region in the diencephalon that includes the pineal gland, responsible for melatonin secretion.

Brain Stem

Includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; controls autonomic functions and relays information.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem that contains reflex centers for vision and hearing.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls autonomic reflexes like heart rate and respiration.

Cerebellum

Brain region that coordinates voluntary movements, posture, and balance.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled spaces in the brain (lateral, third, and fourth) connected by the cerebral aqueduct.

Choroid Plexus

Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain, provides nutrients, and removes waste.

Limbic System

A brain system involved in emotion and memory.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

A brain system that controls wakefulness and alertness.

Declarative Memory

Memory of facts.

Procedural Memory

Memory of skills.

Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater).

Blood-Brain Barrier

Protects the CNS by selectively allowing substances to enter the brain; permeable to lipid-soluble substances.

Gray Matter

Brain and spinal cord tissue composed mainly of neuron cell bodies.

White Matter

Brain and spinal cord tissue composed mainly of myelinated axons.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to touch and pressure.

Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to temperature.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to pain.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to body position and movement.

Spinothalamic Tract

Sensory pathway for pain and temperature.

Medial Lemniscal Tract

Sensory pathway for fine touch and vibration.

Spinocerebellar Tract

Sensory pathway for proprioception.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway for reflexes, including receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.

Stretch Reflex

A reflex that maintains posture, such as the knee-jerk reflex.

Golgi Tendon Reflex

A reflex that causes muscle relaxation to prevent tension damage.

Crossed-Extensor Reflex

A reflex that provides balance during withdrawal from a painful stimulus.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for motor control, planning, and higher-level cognitive functions.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information, including touch, temperature, and pain.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is involved in memory and language comprehension.

Corpus Callosum

A large bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.