Human Anatomy & Physiology I: The Brain and Spinal Cord

Flashcards based on the key vocabulary from human anatomy and physiology lectures on the brain and spinal cord.

Spinal Cord

A cylindrical structure that extends from the brainstem down the vertebral column, involved in transmitting signals between the brain and the body.

Conus Medullaris

The terminal portion of the spinal cord, typically located at the level of L1-L2 in adults.

Filum Terminale

A fibrous extension of the pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Gray Matter

Composed of neuronal cell bodies, unmyelinated axons, and neuroglia, primarily responsible for processing and integrating information.

White Matter

Consists of myelinated axons that form tracts for communication between different areas of the central nervous system.

Dorsal Horns

Regions of gray matter in the spinal cord responsible for sensory processing.

Ventral Horns

Regions of gray matter that contain somatic motor neuron cell bodies.

Dermatome

A specific area of skin that is innervated by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

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

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Radial Nerve

A nerve of the upper limb that innervates the posterior arm and forearm muscles.

Sciatic Nerve

The largest nerve in the body, innervating the lower limbs and composed of the tibial and common fibular nerves.

Rapid Response

A characteristic of reflexes that allows quick, involuntary reactions to stimuli.

Flexor Reflex

A protective reflex that results in the withdrawal of a limb from a painful stimulus.

Meningitis

An inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection.

Somatic Sensory

Type of gray matter zone that processes sensory information from the body.

Visceral Motor

Type of gray matter zone that controls involuntary movements and functions of internal organs.

Corticospinal Tract

A major neural pathway that directs voluntary motor control of the body.

Spinothalamic Tract

An ascending pathway that conveys pain and temperature sensations to the brain.

Ependymal Cells

Glial cells that line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid.

Choroid Plexus

A structure in the ventricles of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, tough and protective.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, which is web-like and contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges that clings tightly to the brain.

Decussation

The crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the central nervous system to the other.

Proprioception

The body's ability to sense its location in space, primarily through sensory feedback from muscles and joints.

Somatotopy

The mapping of specific body parts to corresponding regions of the brain and spinal cord.

Paraplegia

Paralysis of the lower half of the body, often due to injury or disease affecting the spinal cord.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis that affects all four limbs, typically resulting from injury to the cervical region of the spinal cord.

Neurological Damage

Any injury to the nervous system that impairs its function.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

Persistent pain in an area where shingles has occurred, caused by damage to nerve fibers.

Nerve Plexus

A network of intersecting nerves that innervate a specific region of the body.

Hydrocephalus

A condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.