Brain Anatomy Vocabulary

Flashcards about important vocabulary terms related to brain anatomy.

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The two main parts of the human nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Typical Neurons

Composed of the soma (cell body) which contains the nucleus, dendrites, and axon.

Dendrites

Finger-like projections extending from the soma; receive information from other neurons.

Axon

The fiber through which a cell transports information to another cell.

Axon Terminals

Branched features at the end of the axon that form synapses, or points of communication, with dendrites or cell bodies of other neurons.

Brainstem

Controls most fundamental biological functions, such as breathing.

Hindbrain

Consists of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum; regulates activities required for life such as breathing, heartbeat, and motor control.

Lesion

An area of damage or abnormality.

Cerebellum

Critical for motor coordination; lesions result in disorders of fine movement, balance, and motor learning.

Midbrain

A coordinating center that brings together sensory information with movement; houses the reticular activating system which regulates sleep and arousal systems.

Thalamus

Directs nerve signals that carry sensory information to the cortex; the brain's relay station.

Homeostasis

Regulation of bodily functions such as blood pressure, body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, and body weight.

Limbic System

Deals primarily with emotions and impulses; involved with the experience of emotion, the regulation of emotional expression, and basic biological drives.

Hippocampus

Role in memory formation; linked with memory deficits characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Basal Ganglia

In general, these structures are thought to inhibit movement; diseases affecting these structures are characterized by abnormal movements.

Cerebral Cortex

Contributes to the abilities that make us uniquely human, such as reasoning, abstract thought, perception of time, and creativity.

Left Hemisphere

Primarily responsible for language and cognitive functions; processes information linearly and logically.

Right Hemisphere

Processes the world holistically, in a spatial context; associated with creativity, imagery, and intuition.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the two sides of the brain, allowing them to communicate.

Sensory Somatic Nervous System

Consists of cranial nerves which control sensation and muscle movement.

Autonomic Nervous System

Includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Primarily controls involuntary movements; activates the body, creating a state of physical readiness.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Returns body functions to resting levels after the SNS has activated them.

Endocrine System

Regulates bodily functions using hormones released directly into the bloodstream.

Pituitary Gland

Located at the base of the brain; controls many endocrine functions.

Hypothalamus

Regulates the pituitary gland.

Adrenal Glands

Located on top of the kidneys; release epinephrine in response to stressors.