Chapter 9 Nervous System

anatomy & physiology nervous system

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher mental functions, sensory, and motor processing.

Diencephalon

The part of the brain that includes structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory processing and homeostasis.

Brainstem

The part of the brain that regulates visceral activities and connects the brain to the spinal cord.

Cerebellum

Coordinates muscle movements and maintains posture.

Gyri and Sulci

Gyri are ridges on the brain surface, while sulci are shallow grooves. Fissures are deeper grooves.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres.

Spinal Cord

The long, thin bundle of nervous tissue that transmits impulses to and from the brain, containing 31 segments.

Ventricles

Cavities within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, produced by the choroid plexuses.

Nerve Plexus

A network of nerves formed by the anterior branches of spinal nerves.

Synapse

The junction where impulses pass from one neuron to another.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers stored in synaptic vesicles that transmit signals across synapses.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway controlling automatic responses to stimuli, consisting of sensory, interneuron, and motor components.

Meninges

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

Saltatory Conduction

Impulse conduction in myelinated axons where the signal 'jumps' between nodes of Ranvier.

Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions and is subdivided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Thalamus

The brain structure that sorts and directs sensory information to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that regulates important bodily functions such as temperature, hunger, and sleep.

Primary Motor Areas

Regions in the frontal lobe responsible for the control of voluntary movements.

Broca's Area

A region in the left frontal lobe associated with the production of speech.

Saltatory Conduction

An efficient way of transmitting electrical impulses in myelinated neurons where signals jump from node to node.

General Interpretive Area

A region where complex thought processes, and the integration of sensory inputs occur, located at the junction of parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes.