Central Nervous System Terminology and Structure

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the central nervous system and its components, aiding in the understanding and retention of fundamental neuroanatomy.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right sections.

Coronal Plane

Divides the body into front and back sections.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into upper and lower halves.

Proximal

Closer to the midline of the body.

Distal

Farther away from the center of the body.

Medial

Towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Superior

Above or higher, typically refers to the head.

Inferior

Below or towards the feet.

Anterior (ventral)

Front of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Back of the body.

Supine

Lying on your back (face up).

Prone

Lying on your stomach (face down).

Ipsilateral

Same side of the body.

Contralateral

Opposite side of the body.

Cerebrum

The part of the brain responsible for higher thinking, consisting of two hemispheres and four lobes.

Gray matter

Contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites; involved in processing information.

White matter

Made of myelinated axons; helps different brain areas communicate.

Cerebellum

Responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor control.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in movement, planning, and speech production.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information and spatial orientation.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing, memory, and language comprehension.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for vision.

Brainstem

Controls vital functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Pons

Connects descending motor fibers and ascending sensory fibers.

Medulla

Controls life functions like swallowing and reflex responses.

Hypothalamus

Regulates autonomic functions and maintains homeostasis.

Corticospinal Tract

Major pathway for voluntary motor control, connecting the motor cortex to lower motor neurons.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Paresis

Muscle weakness.

Plegia

Paralysis.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Degeneration of peripheral nerves, affecting sensation and motor control.