Human Anatomy & Physiology: The Central Nervous System

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the Central Nervous System.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-order functions and processing sensory information.

Diencephalon

A division of the brain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, functioning as a relay station and regulating homeostasis.

Cerebellum

A part of the brain that coordinates movement and maintains posture.

Brainstem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions including breathing and heart rate.

Neural tube

The embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Thalamus

A relay station for sensory information that regulates the flow of information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that regulates homeostasis and controls the autonomous nervous system.

Gyri

Elevated ridges on the surface of the brain.

Sulci

Shallow grooves on the surface of the brain.

Pineal gland

A gland in the epithalamus that secretes melatonin and regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Basal nuclei

A group of structures deep within the cerebral hemispheres involved in movement regulation.

Limbic system

A group of brain structures involved in emotion, behavior, and memory.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain, provides buoyancy, and removes waste.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Corticospinal tract

A motor pathway that conducts impulses from the brain to the spinal cord.

Somatosensory cortex

The primary area of the parietal lobe responsible for processing sensory information from the body.

Motor cortex

The area of the brain responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.