Nervous System Structure, Functions, and Embryological Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structure, functional divisions, and embryological developmental chain of the nervous system based on the lecture notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; it is the main processing/control center of the nervous system.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nervous system structures outside the brain and spinal cord, including cranial and spinal nerves.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain; involved in higher-level functions such as thinking and voluntary movement.

Brainstem

Connects the brain with the spinal cord and includes structures involved in important body functions.

Cerebellum

Brain structure involved in coordination and control of movement.

Spinal cord

Carries information between the brain and the rest of the body.

Cranial nerves

Nerves associated with the brain that carry information to and from the head and body.

Spinal nerves

Nerves associated with the spinal cord that carry information between the spinal cord and the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls many body functions that happen automatically/involuntarily; controlled in prefrontal cerebral cortex and subcortical regions.

Sympathetic nervous system

The “F3” system (Flight, Freeze, or Fight); activated during stress or danger to prepare the body to respond.

F3

Flight, Freeze, or Fight.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The “Chill” system; helps the body relax and return to a calmer state by slowing heart rate, constricting pupils, and lowering blood pressure.

Somatic Nervous System

The division involved in controlling skeletal muscles and conscious movement.

Somatic muscles

Skeletal muscles that are involved in voluntary movement.

Pyramidal (Direct) System

Controls conscious, controlled, skilled movements.

Extrapyramidal (Indirect) System

Controls background/supportive movements that help you perform an action, such as arm swing while walking.

Embryonic period

Weeks 1–8 of development.

Fetal period

Weeks 9–37 of development.

Neural plate

The embryological structure from which the nervous system develops.

Neural tube

A structure that begins forming by about 4 weeks gestational age (GA) and gives rise to structures of the nervous system.

Neural crest cells

Cells that move to the periphery of the neural tube and form structures including the cranial and spinal nerves.

Three primary brain vesicles

Prosencephalon, Mesencephalon, and Rhombencephalon, formed around 4 weeks when the neural tube pinches.

Prosencephalon

The forebrain; develops into the telencephalon and diencephalon.

Telencephalon

Develops into the cerebral hemispheres and subcortical structures.

Diencephalon

Develops into structures including the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland.

Mesencephalon

The midbrain; becomes part of the brainstem.

Cerebral peduncles

Structures associated with the midbrain that connect to the cerebellum.

Rhombencephalon

The hindbrain; develops into the metencephalon and myelencephalon.

Metencephalon

Develops into the pons and cerebellum.

Pons

A structure that develops from the metencephalon.

Myelencephalon

Develops into the medulla oblongata.

Medulla oblongata

A structure that develops from the myelencephalon.