Chapter 13: Anatomy of the Nervous System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the anatomy of the nervous system as discussed in Chapter 13.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions including thought, action, and sensory processing.

Longitudinal fissure

The groove that separates the brain into right and left hemispheres.

Corpus callosum

A structure that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum, characterized by its wrinkled surface and composed of gray matter.

Gyri

Elevated ridges on the surface of the brain.

Sulcus

Grooves that separate gyri on the brain's surface.

Occipital lobe

The lobe at the back of the brain responsible for visual processing.

Temporal lobe

The lobe associated with primary auditory sensations and memory.

Parietal lobe

The lobe responsible for processing somatosensory information.

Frontal lobe

The lobe involved in motor functions, executive functions, and personality.

Basal nuclei

Clusters of neurons in the brain that are involved in the planning and coordination of movement.

Thalamus

A brain structure that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that regulates homeostasis and the autonomic nervous system.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor control.

Spinal cord

A major component of the central nervous system that connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system.

Dorsal root

Contains sensory neurons that carry information to the spinal cord.

Ventral root

Contains motor neurons that carry signals from the spinal cord to muscles.

Autonomic nervous system

A part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Cranial nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions.

Circle of Willis

A circulatory structure that supplies blood to the brain and protects against ischemia.

Meninges

The protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord; includes dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that circulates within the ventricles of the brain and around the spinal cord, providing cushioning and transport.

Nerve plexus

A network of intersecting spinal nerves that serve a specific region of the body.