FUNCTIONAL NEUROANATOMY (Module 1 part 1)

Functional Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Invertebrate Nervous Systems

Nervous systems found in organisms without a backbone, often with primitive brain structures.

Ganglia

Groups of neurons that work together, typically found near the systems they control in invertebrates.

Vertebrate Nervous Systems

Nervous systems in organisms with a backbone, usually more complex than invertebrates.

Bilateral Symmetry

A feature of vertebrate nervous systems where both sides are similar, with some functional asymmetry.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, located within the skull and vertebral column.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all nervous system components outside the CNS, divided into somatic and autonomic systems.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and carries sensory information.

Autonomic Nervous System

A non-voluntary system of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions, divided into sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric systems.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-level functions, characterized by gyri and sulci.

Gyri and Sulci

The bulges (gyri) and grooves (sulci) on the cerebral cortex that increase surface area for processing information.

Spinal Cord

A bundle of nerves within the vertebral column that transmits information between the brain and the body.

Gray Matter

The area of the spinal cord containing neuron cell bodies, involved in processing information.

White Matter

The area surrounding gray matter in the spinal cord, made up of myelinated axons that transmit signals.

Dorsal Horn

The part of the spinal cord that contains sensory neurons.

Ventral Horn

The part of the spinal cord that contains motor neurons.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, serving sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes "rest and digest" functions.

Enteric Nervous System

A complex network of neurons that controls the gastrointestinal system independently of the CNS.