day 1(half 1)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the brainstem structures, spinal cord tissue organization, protective coverings, and peripheral nervous system components.

Brainstem

The stalk-like lower part of the brain that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord and controls essential, involuntary life functions.

Midbrain

A component of the brainstem that helps coordinate muscular movements.

Pons

A structure in the brainstem (meaning Bridge) containing centers that help regulate breathing.

Medulla

A part of the brainstem containing important centers that control heart rate & breathing.

Cardiac control center

A center located within the medulla that controls heart rate.

Respiratory control center

A center located within the medulla that controls breathing.

Spinal cord

A long, fragile tube of nervous tissue running from the brain stem down the center of the back that serves as a means of communication between the brain and much of the body.

Spinal cord protections

Protective structures and fluids surrounding the spinal cord, consisting of vertebra, spinal meninges, cerebrospinal fluid & adipose tissue.

Gray matter

Non-myelinated fibers forming an H configuration (butterfly shape) inside the spinal cord that carry signals from side to side.

White matter

Myelinated fibers forming the outermost part of the spinal cord that carry signals up & down.

Central canal

An opening in the center of the spinal cord filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Peripheral nervous system

The division of the nervous system made up of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

Spinal nerves

31 pairs of nerves contained in the spinal cord and forming part of the peripheral nervous system.

Cranial nerves

12 pairs of nerves belonging to the peripheral nervous system.