Nervous System & Mental Health Study Guide Nervous System Structures and Functions Central Nervous System (CNS) The CNS includes the brain and spinal

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Includes the brain and spinal cord; protected by the meninges.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain; responsible for higher-level functions like language, memory, and analysis.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain; controls coordination and balance.

Brainstem

Controls vital involuntary functions like breathing and cardiac activity.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the brain's two hemispheres.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; contains sensory and motor pathways.

Autonomous Nervous System

Regulates involuntary actions such as heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Division

Activates during stress, responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

Promotes 'rest and digest' activities for recovery after stress.

Neurons

Nerve cells that receive sensory input and send signals in the nervous system.

Myelination

The process of insulating nerve fibers, allowing signals to travel more quickly.

Cephalgia

Persistent head pain; also known as a headache.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A condition marked by degeneration of myelin sheaths of neurons.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord.

Dementia

Progressive decline in mental abilities, often with personality changes.

Reye Syndrome

A medical emergency following viral illness, primarily affecting children.

Tetanus

A bacterial infection causing muscle spasms and lockjaw.

Polio

A contagious virus affecting the brain and spinal cord; incidence reduced by vaccination.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Damage to the brain caused by external force.

Parkinson Disease

A progressive neurological disorder characterized by motor symptoms.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Also known as a stroke, caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain.

Congenital CNS Disorders

Disorders present at birth due to prenatal or neonatal events.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest.

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder involving alternating periods of mania and depression.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Chronic, excessive worry about various everyday concerns.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic attacks.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Intense fear of social situations and being judged by others.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Develops after a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks and avoidance.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Schizophrenia

A psychotic disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent inattention and impulsivity.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's acute stress response initiated by the sympathetic division.

Rest and Digest

The body's recovery response associated with the parasympathetic division.