Nervous System

Hemispheres

Hemispheres

The two halves of the brain, divided into left and right.

Lobes

Distinct sections of the cerebral cortex, each associated with specific functions.

Frontal

Pertaining to the frontal lobe of the brain, responsible for executive functions, motor control, and personality.

Occipital

Pertaining to the occipital lobe of the brain, primarily responsible for visual processing.

Parietal

Pertaining to the parietal lobe of the brain, involved in sensory processing and spatial awareness.

Temporal

Pertaining to the temporal lobe of the brain, responsible for auditory processing and memory.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into hemispheres, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Cerebellum

The region of the brain responsible for motor coordination, balance, and posture.

Brain Stem

The lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord, regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Foramen Magnum

The opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

Meninges

The three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

Outermost layer.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer.

Pia Mater

Innermost layer.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, often caused by infection.

Epidural

Outside the dura mater; typically refers to the space between the dura mater and the skull.

Spinal Tap

A procedure involving the extraction of cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal for diagnostic purposes.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system, transmitting signals.

Axon

The elongated projection of a neuron, conducting electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrite

The branched projection of a neuron, receiving signals from other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer covering the axon, facilitating faster transmission of nerve impulses.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, allowing the transmission of signals.

Corpus Callosum

The bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

Gyri

The ridges or bumps on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

The grooves or furrows on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear, colorless fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Inferior and Superior Colliculi

Inferior Colliculi:Involved in auditory processing. Superior Colliculi:Involved in visual processing.

Pineal Body

A small gland in the brain that produces melatonin, influencing the sleep-wake cycle.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland, regulating sleep and wakefulness.

Medulla Oblongata & Pons

Medulla Oblongata:Controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate. Pons:Involved in motor control and sensory analysis.

Arbor Vitae

A tree-like structure of white matter in the cerebellum.

Lateral Ventricle & Cerebral Aqueduct

Lateral Ventricle:Fluid-filled cavities in the cerebral hemispheres. Cerebral Aqueduct:A canal connecting the third and fourth ventricles.

Pituitary Gland and Infundibulum

Pituitary Gland:An endocrine gland that regulates various physiological processes. Infundibulum:The stalk connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus & Thalamus

Hypothalamus:Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other autonomic functions. Thalamus:Acts as a relay station for sensory information.

Optic Chiasm

The point where the optic nerves from each eye cross, allowing information from both eyes to be processed.

Olfactory Bulbs

Structures in the brain responsible for processing smell.