Nervous System and Brain Function

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key terms related to the nervous system, brain functions, neurological diseases, and injuries.

Nervous System

The system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Meninges

Membranes that encase the brain and spinal cord, consisting of dura mater, arachnoid layer, and pia mater.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that provides cushion support for the brain and spinal cord.

Neurons

Fundamental units of the nervous system that generate and transmit nerve impulses.

Axon

The projection of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Projections that transmit impulses towards the cell body of a neuron.

Myelin Sheath

A layer that surrounds some axons, increasing the rate of impulse transmission.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where communication occurs.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that branch directly from the brain and carry sensory and motor signals.

Gray Matter

The area of the brain composed of neuronal cell bodies, located on the surface.

White Matter

The area beneath gray matter composed of myelinated axons.

Ventricles

Hollow areas in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced and stored.

Reflex Arc

The process that creates an unconscious response to stimuli.

Dermatomes

Areas of the skin innervated by specific spinal sensory nerves.

Afferent Nerves

Sensory nerves that carry impulses towards the brain.

Efferent Nerves

Motor nerves that carry impulses away from the brain to muscles.

Plexus

Networks of intersecting nerves that organize and collaborate in body regions.

Hydrocephalus

Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid that results in increased pressure in the brain.

Spina Bifida

A neural tube defect where the spinal column fails to close completely.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Injury to the brain caused by a sudden and violent blow or jolt to the head.

Stroke (CVA)

An interruption of cerebral blood supply resulting in ischemic damage or bleeding.

Seizure

A transient physical or behavioral alteration resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Multiple Sclerosis

A demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system, causing progressive disability.

Parkinson's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a lack of dopamine and motor movement difficulties.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disorder that leads to the impairment of communication between nerves and muscles.

Huntington's Disease

A genetic disorder that causes progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain.

Dementia

A group of conditions marked by decreased cognitive function and memory loss.

Brain Tumor

An abnormal growth of cells within the brain, which can be benign or malignant.