Anatomy of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the anatomy of the central nervous system, anatomical terminology, and neurodevelopment.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Covers sensory and motor nerves.

Rostral

Refers to the front or anterior part of the body.

Dorsal

Refers to the back or superior aspect of the body.

Ventral

Refers to the belly or inferior aspect of the body.

Gray Matter

Consists of cell bodies and dendrites; collections of cell bodies in the CNS are called nuclei.

White Matter

Composed of myelinated axons; CNS bundles are known as tracts.

Gyri

Ridges or folds in the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

Grooves or fissures in the cerebral cortex.

Coronal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right parts.

Horizontal Plane

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Primary Motor Cortex

Part of the frontal lobe responsible for voluntary movement.

Somatosensory Cortex

Region of the parietal lobe involved in processing sensory information.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, associated with higher brain function such as thought and action.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets.

Neural Plate

An area of ectodermal tissue that develops into the nervous system.

Neural Tube

A structure that forms the basis of the central nervous system in the embryo.

Dorsal Horn

Part of the spinal cord that contains sensory neurons.

Ventral Horn

Part of the spinal cord that contains motor neurons.

Computed Tomography (CT)

A structural imaging technique that uses X-ray to produce detailed images of brain structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A functional imaging technique that uses radiotracers to evaluate brain metabolism and activity.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A technique that measures changes in local blood oxygen concentration to reflect neuronal activity.