Systemic Anatomy & Physiology I - Exam Review

75 flashcards based on key terms and concepts from Anatomy & Physiology I lecture notes.

falx cerebri

An extension of the dura mater separating the cerebral hemispheres.

cranial meninges

The protective coverings of the brain, including the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.

cerebrum

The largest part of the brain associated with higher brain functions.

cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance.

pons

A portion of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus.

diencephalon

A brain region that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

ventricles

Fluid-filled spaces in the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid.

interventricular foramen

The channel connecting the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle.

cerebral aqueduct

The tube connecting the third and fourth ventricles of the brain.

gyri

The raised portions of the cerebral cortex.

thalamus

A part of the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory information.

cerebrospinal fluid

A clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

hypothalamus

The area of the diencephalon that controls autonomic functions.

epithalamus

A part of the diencephalon that includes the pineal gland.

subthalamus

A region of the diencephalon involved in motor control.

flocculonodular lobe

The part of the cerebellum associated with balance.

cerebellar peduncles

Bundles of axons that attach the cerebellum to the brainstem.

corpus callosum

The bundle of neural fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.

sensory pathways

Neural pathways that carry sensory information to the brain.

midbrain

The central part of the brainstem.

medulla oblongata

A portion of the brain that controls vital functions.

cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex functions.

precentral gyrus

The primary motor cortex in the frontal lobe.

postcentral gyrus

The primary somatosensory area in the parietal lobe.

central sulcus

The groove separating the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

occipital lobe

The lobe responsible for visual processing.

temporal lobe

The lobe associated with hearing and memory.

limbic system

A system involved in emotions and memory.

ventral horn

A region of the spinal cord containing motor neurons.

dorsal horn

A region of the spinal cord containing sensory neurons.

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions.

sympathetic division

The part of the ANS that prepares the body for stress-related activities.

parasympathetic division

The part of the ANS that conserves energy and restores the body to resting state.

adrenergic neuron

A neuron that releases norepinephrine as its neurotransmitter.

cholinergic neuron

A neuron that releases acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter.

norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness.

acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that plays key roles in muscle activation and memory.

preganglionic neuron

The first neuron in the autonomic pathway that sends signals from the CNS to the ganglion.

postganglionic neuron

The second neuron in the autonomic pathway that transmits signals to target organs.

interoceptors

Sensory receptors that receive stimuli from within the body.

exteroceptors

Sensory receptors that receive stimuli from the external environment.

somatic motor neuron

A neuron that transmits signals to skeletal muscles.

splanchnic nerves

Nerves that innervate organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

visceral reflexes

Reflex actions involving smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands.

ganglia

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the autonomic nervous system.

neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

sympathetic chain

A series of ganglia that run alongside the vertebral column.

decussation

The crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the body to the other.

muscle tone

The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles.

dopamine

A neurotransmitter important for motor control and reward.

choroid plexus

A structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Mammillary bodies

Nuclei in the hypothalamus involved in memory processing.

Superficial gray matter

The outer layer of the brain, consisting of neuron cell bodies.

Cerebral peduncles

Large bundles of axons on the ventral side of the midbrain.

Vermis

The midline portion of the cerebellum.

basal ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain involved in movement regulation.

CII

Cranial nerve II, which carries visual information.

CIII

Cranial nerve III, which controls eye movement.

CN V

Cranial nerve V, responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions.

CNI

Cranial nerve I, responsible for the sense of smell.

Trochlear nerve

Cranial nerve IV, which innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

facial nerve

Cranial nerve VII, involved in facial expressions and taste.

Vagus nerve

Cranial nerve X, which innervates many visceral organs.

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Cranial nerve IX, involved in taste and swallowing.