Brain and Nervous System Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards related to the brain and nervous system lecture.

Vertebrates

Animals with internal skeletal structures or bone structures.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The primary headquarters for storage and processing in vertebrates, typically comprising the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, including sensory receptors and outgoing nerves.

Afferents

Conscious and unconscious incoming inputs to the central nervous system.

Brainstem Function

Important for autonomic functions, such as regulating respiration and heart rate.

Cerebellum Function

Important for integrating sensory and motor movements, often involved with intricate, precise motor movements.

Cerebrum Function

Associated with complex behaviors such as personality, learning and memory, and emotions.

Neural Tube

A hollow tube of tissue that runs on the dorsal surface of the embryo and develops into the central nervous system.

Telencephalon

A division of the forebrain that develops into the cerebrum.

Diencephalon

A division of the forebrain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Pons and Medulla

Collections of neurons within the brainstem important for involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate.

Midbrain Function

Plays a role in relaying sensory input, often associated with vision and olfaction.

Hypothalamus Function

Important for linking to the hormonal (endocrine) system and regulating functions such as temperature, thirst, and hunger.

Thalamus Function

Acts as a signal transducer between the lower and upper regions of the brain; a relay station for sensory and response information.

Telencephalisation

The dominance of the telencephalon (cerebrum) within the brain structure, particularly in humans and mammals.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that joins the two halves of the cerebrum together, integrating their functions.

Gyri

The ridges or convolutions of the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

The valleys or grooves between the gyri in the cerebral cortex.

Contralateral Control

Structures on one side of the brain control functions on the opposite side of the body.