Central Nervous System

Gyrus

surface covered with ridges

Sulcus

shallow grooves

Fissure

A deep groove on the brain's surface that separates major brain regions or lobes.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum…gray matter

Cerebral white matter 

The tissue in the brain consisting mainly of fiber tracts

Corpus callosum

very large fiber tract that connect the hemisphere

diencephalon

interbrain, sits atop the brainstem and is enclosed by the cereberal hemispheres

limbic system 

part of the brain that controls emotions, memories, and motivation.

meninges

three protective layers that cover the brain and spinal cord.

dura mater

outermost and toughest layer of the meninges

arachnoid mater

thin, web-like layer that lies under the dura mater and helps cushion the brain.

pia mater

thin, delicate layer that sticks closely to the surface of the brain and spinal cord

cerebrospinal fluid

clear, watery liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord

cerebral cortex

outer layer of the brain, often called the “gray matter.”

primary somatic sensory area

part of the brain that receives and interprets touch information from your body.

primary motor area

part of the brain that controls voluntary muscle movements.

Broca's area

The part of the brain that helps you speak and form words.

Wernicke's area

The part of the brain that helps you understand language.

Gray matter

The outer layer of the brain that contains nerve cell bodies.

Thalamus

crude recognition of whether sensations are pleasant or unpleasant

Hypothalamus

controls hunger, thirst, sleep, temperature, and emotions.

Pituitary gland

Known as the “master gland,” it releases hormones that control growth, metabolism, and other glands in your body.

Brain stem

The connection between the brain and spinal cord, diameter of the thumb and 3 inches in length

Midbrain

reflex centers involved in vision and hearing

Pons

mostly fiber tracts; is important in breathing

Medulla oblongata

heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, swallowing, vomiting

Reticular activating system (RAS)

role in conciousness and the sleep/awake cycles
damage = coma

Cerebellum

large, cauliflower shaped
provides the precise timing for skeletal muscle activity, controls balance and equillibrium