Central Nervous System Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the central nervous system, including brain structures, functions, and sensory processing.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, consisting of two layers: the periosteal layer and the meningeal layer.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid formed in the choroid plexuses within brain ventricles, circulating to protect and nourish the brain.

Forebrain

The anterior part of the brain, consisting of structures like the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum.

Thalamus

Known as the switchboard of the brain, it relays incoming sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Functions as the master regulator of the autonomic nervous system and controls hormone secretion.

Amygdala

Part of the limbic system, associated with emotions such as fear, anxiety, and anger.

Cerebellum

A hindbrain structure involved in motor coordination, proprioception, and muscle memory.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer gray matter of the cerebrum involved in higher cognitive functions.

Insula

A separate lobe of the cerebral cortex involved in gustation (taste) and processing feelings of disgust.

Somatic Motor

Involuntary control over skeletal muscles; contraction is voluntary.

Visceral Sensory

Involves sensory input from internal organs and is generally not consciously perceived.

Projection Tracts

Myelinated axons that transmit motor commands from the cerebral cortex down through the spinal cord.

Commissural Tracts

Connections between the two hemispheres of the brain, notably the corpus callosum.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in the formation of memories and spatial navigation.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that mediates a reflex action without involving the brain.

General Sensory Receptors

Receptors that detect stimuli from the environment, such as touch, temperature, and pain.