The Central Nervous System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the Central Nervous System based on lecture notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Cephalization

The evolutionary development of the rostral (anterior) portion of the CNS, leading to an increased number of neurons in the head.

Neural tube

Structure from which the brain and spinal cord develop during embryonic development.

Prosencephalon

Also known as the forebrain; one of the three primary vesicles that form at the anterior end of the neural tube.

Telencephalon

Derived from the forebrain; develops into the cerebral hemispheres.

Diencephalon

Part of the forebrain, develops into the epithalamus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and retina.

Metencephalon

Part of the hindbrain that develops into the pons and cerebellum.

Myelencephalon

Part of the hindbrain that develops into the medulla oblongata.

Ventricles of the brain

Fluid-filled chambers that are continuous with one another and the central canal of the spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that fills the ventricles and circulates in the subarachnoid space, providing protection and nourishment to the brain.

Gray matter

Regions in the CNS consisting of neuron cell bodies and short nonmyelinated neurons.

White matter

Regions in the CNS mostly consisting of myelinated axons.

Motor cortex

Area of the cerebral cortex responsible for voluntary movement.

Somatotopy

Mapping of the body in the CNS structures based on motor innervation.

Lateralization

The division of labor between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Basal nuclei (ganglia)

Groups of nuclei in the brain involved in motor control and cognitive functions.

Hypothalamus

Part of the diencephalon, it is the main visceral control center and regulates homeostasis.

Amygdaloid body

Part of the limbic system that recognizes emotion and danger.

Reticular formation

A network of neurons in the brain stem that regulates arousal and consciousness.

Broca's area

Region in the frontal lobe involved in speech production.

Wernicke's area

Region in the temporal lobe involved in understanding spoken and written language.

Hydrocephalus

A neurological disorder caused by abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to increased pressure in the ventricles.

Meninges

Three protective membranes that cover the CNS: dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

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

Alzheimer’s disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.

Parkinson's disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-releasing neurons in the substantia nigra.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, leading to loss of muscle control.