Nervous System, Brain Anatomy, and Neurological Disorders Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structural components, divisions, brain regions, lobes, and pathology (Stroke, MS, Meningitis) outlined in the lecture notes.

Nervous System

The rapid control and communication system of the body that maintains homeostasis, receives and processes information, and sends commands to muscles and glands via electrical and chemical signals.

Neurons

The primary cellular components of the nervous system responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals.

Neuroglia

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons.

Astrocytes

Neuroglial cells that support neurons and help form the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Oligodendrocytes

Neuroglial cells that produce myelin in the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Ependymal Cells

Neuroglial cells that line the ventricles and central canal and assist with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Microglia

Neuroglial cells that act as immune defense by removing damaged cells and pathogens.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The body's control center consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The neural pathway consisting of nerves and ganglia that connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Afferent Division

The sensory pathway that carries information arriving to the CNS from sensory receptors.

Efferent Division

The motor pathway that carries motor commands exiting away from the CNS to effectors.

Somatic Motor Division

The voluntary part of the motor division that controls skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Motor Division

The involuntary part of the motor division that controls internal organs, smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Sympathetic Division

A branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'Fight or Flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

A branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'Rest and Digest' state.

Cerebrum

The largest region of the brain, responsible for thinking, learning, memory, consciousness, voluntary movement, and sensory processing.

Diencephalon

A major brain region comprising the thalamus (sensory relay) and hypothalamus (homeostasis, temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormones).

Thalamus

A structure within the diencephalon that functions as a sensory relay center.

Hypothalamus

A structure within the diencephalon responsible for maintaining homeostasis, temperature regulation, hunger, thirst, and hormone control.

Brainstem

A major region of the brain consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Midbrain

The part of the brainstem involved in processing visual and auditory reflexes.

Pons

The part of the brainstem that acts as a bridge and plays a role in breathing control.

Medulla

The part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions including heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Cerebellum

The brain region responsible for balance, posture, coordination, and motor learning to facilitate smooth movement.

Frontal Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for planning, decision-making, personality, voluntary movement, and speech production via Broca's area.

Broca's Area

A functional area located in the frontal lobe involved in speech production.

Parietal Lobe

The cerebral lobe involved in processing sensation, spatial awareness, and body position.

Temporal Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for hearing, language comprehension via Wernicke's area, and memory.

Wernicke's Area

A functional area located in the temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension.

Occipital Lobe

The cerebral lobe dedicated to processing vision.

Hippocampus

A brain structure specifically involved in memory formation.

Stroke (CVA)

A medical emergency caused by an interruption of brain blood flow or the rupture of a brain blood vessel, leading to cell death within minutes.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, categorized into thrombotic (clot formed in vessel) or embolic (traveling clot/material).

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel.

Penumbra

The at-risk but potentially saveable brain tissue surrounding the severely damaged core in an ischemic stroke.

FAST

A mnemonic for identifying stroke signs: Face drooping, Arms weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to seek emergency help.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks myelin in the Central Nervous System, leading to impaired nerve conduction.

Optic Neuritis

An inflammation of the optic nerve causing vision problems, frequently seen in Multiple Sclerosis.

Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia

An abnormal eye movement disorder associated with Multiple Sclerosis.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or TB infections.

Classic Triad of Meningitis

The clinical presentation consisting of Fever, Neck stiffness, and Altered mental status.