Unit 4: The Brain, Nervous System, and Sensory Receptors

These flashcards cover the key concepts of brain development, its structures, functions, and other essential related topics.

Neural Tube

The structure that the brain and spinal cord develop from, formed by the fusion of the neural folds.

Prosencephalon

Also known as the forebrain, the most anterior primary brain vesicle.

Mesencephalon

Also referred to as the midbrain, it does not differentiate into secondary vesicles.

Rhombencephalon

Also called the hindbrain, it differentiates into metencephalon and myelencephalon.

Telencephalon

This secondary brain vesicle comes from the prosencephalon and develops into the cerebrum.

Diencephalon

A secondary brain vesicle from the prosencephalon that develops into structures including the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the adult brain derived from the telencephalon, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Hypothalamus

A structure that comes from the diencephalon and regulates autonomic functions such as temperature and hunger.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sensory information, located in the diencephalon.

Ventricles

Hollow spaces in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), crucial for brain buoyancy and cushioning.

Gyri

The bumps or ridges on the surface of the cerebrum.

Sulci

The grooves or depressions that separate the gyri in the cerebrum.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that refines motor control, coordinating voluntary movements.

Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges, providing protective covering for the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and is produced in the ventricles.

Limbic System

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, associated with emotions and drives.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain.

Myelencephalon

A secondary brain vesicle that develops into the medulla oblongata.

Interneurons

Neurons that transmit impulses between other neurons, particularly within the central nervous system.