CNS

Forebrain

The largest division of the brain, containing the lateral and third cerebral ventricles, subdivided into the telencephalon and diencephalon.

Divisions of the brain

Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain

Telencephalon

A subdivision of the forebrain that includes the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia.

Basal ganglia

Clusters of cell bodies

Diencephalon

Subdivision of the forebrain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in various higher brain functions including sensory perception, cognition, and voluntary motor actions.

Pituitary gland

An endocrine gland that releases hormones to help regulate various bodily functions.

Limbic system

A complex system of structures involved in emotions, memory, and olfaction.

Mesencephalon (midbrain)

Regulates movement and aids in processing auditory and visual information

Rhombencephalon (hindbrain)

Regulation of autonomic functions, maintaining balance and equilibrium, movement coordination and the relay of sensory information, Two subregions: Metencephalon and myelencephalon

Cerebellum

The brain region located inferior to the occipital lobe that coordinates motor commands and balance.

Brain stem

The most primitive region of the brain, essential for basic life functions, including the midbrain, pons, and medulla.

Cerebrospinal fluid

A clear fluid that protects and supports the brain and spinal cord.

Blood brain barrier

A protective barrier formed by astrocytes and capillaries that restricts certain substances from entering the brain.

Cranial meninges

Three protective membranes surrounding the brain, including dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Spinal cord

The part of the central nervous system that extends from the foramen magnum to the conus medullaris, consisting of 32 pairs of spinal nerves.

Plexi of spinal cord

Cervical, Brachial, lumbar, Sacral

Gray matter

The part of the spinal cord consisting of neural cell bodies, axon terminals, and dendrites.

White matter

The part of the spinal cord composed of bundles of axons.

Conus medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord where it terminates.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets located in the lower spinal canal.

Cranial meninges (superficial to deep)

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia meter

Dura mater

The outermost layer of the cranial and spinal meninges, providing a tough protective covering.

Arachnoid mater

The middle layer of the meninges, which is web-like and filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.