Neuroanatomy Master Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the major anatomical structures, divisions, cellular components, and imaging techniques of the nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The division of the nervous system encased in bone and responsible for processing sensory information; composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The division of the nervous system composed of all the nerve fibers that extend out into the body from the brain and spinal cord.

Somatic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system composed of nerve fibers that receive sensory information from the environment as well as nerves that control muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system composed of nerve fibers that go to and from all of the major organs in the body.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest and digestion.

Neuron

The basic building block and functional unit of the nervous system specialized for communication, primarily composed of dendrites, a cell body (soma), an axon, and terminal buttons.

Dendrites

Branching extensions of a neuron that receive incoming signals from other neurons.

Axon

A fiber that carries electrical signals away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer surrounding some axons that insulates them and speeds up neural impulses.

Action Potential

An electrical charge that travels down an axon when a neuron fires.

Synapse

The junction or small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that travel across the synaptic gap to bind to receptor sites on receiving neurons.

Glial Cells (Glia)

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe of the brain situated inside of the forehead responsible for executive functioning, such as decision-making, and voluntary behavior.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe situated in the top middle of the brain responsible for the sense of touch and sensory integration.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe situated in the rear of the brain responsible for vision.

Temporal Lobes

The lobes situated on either side of the brain responsible for hearing, smell, and memory.

Central Sulcus

A prominent groove that divides the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

Primary Motor Cortex

The area located directly in front of the central sulcus in the frontal lobe where voluntary motor behavior originates.

Broca's Area

A cortical area located in the left hemisphere of the frontal lobe just in front of the temporal lobe responsible for language production (speech).

Cerebrum (Cerebral Cortex)

The newer outer, wrinkly layer on top of the brain that includes gyri and sulci.

Thalamus

A structure located above the brain stem and midbrain that receives sensory information before sending it to the cortex for processing.

Hypothalamus

A structure located just above the midbrain responsible for hormone regulation and homeostasis.

Amygdala (Amygdalae)

An almond-shaped structure located in each of the temporal lobes responsible for arousal and emotion.

Hippocampus (Hippocampi)

A structure named after the seahorse, located inside each of the temporal lobes, responsible for the formation of long-term memories.

Cerebellum

A structure in the rear of the brain described as the 'small brain' or 'baby brain' based on its appearance; it is not a part of the brainstem.

Brain Stem

The most basic structure of the brain, situated as the thin portion below the midbrain and above the spinal cord.

Limbic System

A collection of specialized structures involved in emotion and memory.

Corpus Callosum

A thick bundle of nerve cells connecting the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A neuroimaging technique that records metabolic activity in the brain.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A neuroimaging technique that measures changes in the level of oxygenated blood flow in the brain.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

A technique that measures electrical brain activity via electrodes placed on the scalp.

Diffuse Optical Imaging (DOI)

A neuroimaging method that shines infrared light into the brain to measure blood flow.