neuroanatomy

afferent

used to describe axons; carries information towards a certain point

amygdala

involved in emotions (esp. fear), at the end of the hippocampus

arachnoid membrane

middle layer of the meninges (membranes around the brain)

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary processes, such as breathing

brainstem

stalk from which the cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum sprout. relays information btwn cerebrum, spinal cord, and cerebellum. regulates vital functions.

broca's area

controls production and coordination of speech, but not comprehension. in the left frontal lobe

central nervous system (CNS)

brain and spinal cord

cerebellum

"little brain" motor skills, aka coordination of movement

cerebral cortex

outer layer of the cerebrum (grey matter)

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

liquid that surrounds the brain + spinal cord, produced by the choroid plexus

cerebrum

largest part of the brain; responsible for a bunch of stuff

choroid plexus

produces CSF

corpus callosum

connects the left and right hemispheres

cranial nerves

12 pairs of nerves that carry messages to and from the brain

dura mater

outermost layer over the CNS; tough and inelastic

efferent

used to describe axons, carries information away from a certain point

gray matter

neuron cell bodies, aka the cortex. outer layer of the cerebrum

gyrus

the bumps

hippocampus

creation of new memories and learning

hypothalamus

homeostatic systems, similar to ANS

meninges

three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

ANS + SNS, opposite of CNS

pia mater

thin, delicate inner membrane of the meninges; closest to brain

pineal body

secretes melatonin

somatic nervous system (SNS)

subdivision of PNS, controls muscle movement and sensory info

spinal cord

attatched to the brainstem, it joins the brain and rest of the body; communicates with the spinal nerves

sulcus

grooves btwn bumps

thalamus

sensory relay station (everything comes here first)

ventricle

filled with CSF to protect and prevent friction

wernicke's area

controls comprehension of speech. in the left temporal lobe

white matter

nerve fibers (axons)

FRONTAL LOBE

making decisions, memory, personality, motor control

PARIETAL LOBE

integrates sensory info, body position, where am i in space?

OCCIPITAL LOBE

visual signals

TEMPORAL LOBE

hippocampus/memory, auditory, wernicke/language comprehension