Brain Structure and Function Flashcards

Flashcards generated from lecture notes on Brain Structure and Function

Neurons

Cells arranged in circuits that underlie simple and complex behaviors through electrical and chemical signals (neurotransmitters, hormones).

Glial cells

Cells that provide support to neurons and contribute to information processing.

Cell body (soma)

Part of the neuron responsible for integrating incoming signals.

Dendrites

Neuronal area that receives inputs.

Axon

Neuronal area that conducts information.

Axon terminals

Neuronal area that is the output zone.

Nerve

Outside the CNS, a bundle of axons is called a .

Tract

Inside the CNS, a bundle of axons is called a .

Glia Functions

Surround neurons, hold them in place, supply nutrients/oxygen, aid synaptic transmission, clear neurotransmitters, release gliotransmitters, insulate, destroy pathogens & remove dead neurons.

Afferent

Refers to sensory information coming into the CNS.

Efferent

Refers to information leaving the CNS.

Dorsal

Also known as superior, refers to structures located towards the top of the brain or body.

Ventral

Also known as inferior, refers to structures located towards the bottom of the brain or body.

Anterior

Also known as rostral, refers to structures located towards the front of the brain or body.

Posterior

Also known as caudal, refers to structures located towards the back of the brain or body.

Medial

Refers to structures located towards the midline.

Lateral

Refers to structures located away from the midline.

Central Nervous System

Divisions of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord and mediates behavior.

Somatic Nervous System

Division of the nervous system that transmits sensory information and produces movement.

Autonomic Nervous System

Division of the nervous system that balances internal functions.

Somatic Nervous System Function

Carries sensory information to the CNS and transmits outgoing motor instructions that produce movement.

Autonomic Nervous System Function

Balances the body’s internal organs for fight or flight (sympathetic) or rest and digest (parasympathetic).

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that carry afferent sensory input to the brain from eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, as well as efferent motor output to facial muscles, tongue, and eyes.

Spinal Nerves

Transmits sensory input via the dorsal root and motor output via the ventral root.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system where activation is often in opposition to sympathetic activity.

Meninges

The membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Dura mater

Outer layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid membrane

Middle layer of the meninges.

Pia mater

Inner layer of the meninges.

Gyri (Gyrus)

Elevated ridges that increase the surface area of the brain.

Sulci (Sulcus)

Grooves between gyri on the surface of the brain.

Ventricular System

Series of chambers filled with CSF.

Functions of CSF

Acts as a shock absorber and provides an exchange medium between blood and brain.

Spinal Cord

Region of the brain that produces most body movements.

Pons and Medulla

Controls vital movements of the body, such as respiratory and cardiovascular functions.

Tegmentum

Contains structures like the red nucleus, substantia nigra, and periaqueductal gray, largely related to movement.

Tectum

Located in the midbrain, it receives sensory information from the eyes and ears.

Thalamus

Relay center for sensory information projecting to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

Controls the body's production of hormones by interacting with the pituitary gland.

Cortex

Associated with multiple functions, makes up 80% of the human brain.

Basal Ganglia

Important in motor control, includes the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra.

Limbic System

Includes structures important for emotions, learning, and memory, like the amygdala and hippocampus.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Used for diagnosing tumors or brain atrophy.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Good for investigating the location of receptors for neurotransmitters.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Shows changes in brain activity over time by tracking blood flow and oxygen levels.

Hormones

Chemical signals secreted into the bloodstream that affect cells with appropriate receptors.

Pituitary gland

Serves as the master gland, controlling the secretions of all other glands.

Adrenal gland

Secretes hormones involved in the stress response, such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Gut

Secretes hormones that regulate digestive processes.

Pancreas

Secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar.