Peripheral Nervous System and Cranial Nerves

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the peripheral nervous system and cranial nerves.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid found in the brain and spinal cord that provides mechanical protection and nourishment.

Dura mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, heavily attached to the inner surface of the skull.

Arachnoid mater

The middle layer of the meninges, located between the dura mater and pia mater.

Pia mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, closely adhering to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

Falx cerebri

A dural reflection that separates the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Superior sagittal sinus

A large venous sinus located between the two layers of dura mater running along the midline of the brain.

Subarachnoid space

The real space between the arachnoid and pia mater that contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Choroid plexus

A specialized capillary network that produces cerebrospinal fluid from blood plasma.

Lateral ventricle

One of the four ventricles of the brain, which contains cerebrospinal fluid and connects to the third ventricle.

Olfactory nerve

Cranial nerve I, responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic nerve

Cranial nerve II, responsible for vision and sensory information from the retina.

Oculomotor nerve

Cranial nerve III, responsible for eye movement and autonomic functions like pupil constriction.

Trochlear nerve

Cranial nerve IV, a pure motor nerve that innervates one of the extraocular muscles.

Trigeminal nerve

Cranial nerve V, a mixed nerve that has sensory and motor branches for facial sensation and mastication.

Facial nerve

Cranial nerve VII, a mixed nerve that controls facial expressions and carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Vestibulocochlear nerve

Cranial nerve VIII, a pure sensory nerve responsible for balance and hearing.

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Cranial nerve IX, a mixed nerve that carries taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue and controls the parotid gland.

Vagus nerve

Cranial nerve X, a mixed nerve that innervates organs in the neck, thorax, and abdomen.

Accessory nerve

Cranial nerve XI, a motor nerve that innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Hypoglossal nerve

Cranial nerve XII, a motor nerve that controls the movements of the tongue.