Nervous System Organization

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the organization and function of the nervous system, focusing on neuroanatomy, neural communication, and brain structures.

Neuron

A communication cell that reacts and responds to stimuli.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the brain that provide structural support and perform essential tasks.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that carry messages between neurons or from neurons to muscles.

Afferent

Referring to sensory pathways that carry information toward the central nervous system (CNS).

Efferent

Referring to motor pathways that carry information away from the central nervous system (CNS).

Sulcus

A groove or 'valley' in the brain's surface.

Gyrus

A ridge or 'hill' between two sulci in the brain.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance; part of the hindbrain.

Diencephalon

Part of the forebrain, relays motor and sensory signals to the cortex.

Basal Ganglia

Group of structures responsible for voluntary movements and decision-making.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, mood, and sleep.

Frontal Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for executive functions, decision making, and voluntary muscle movement.

Temporal Lobe

Region of the brain that processes auditory stimuli and is involved in language comprehension.

Occipital Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for awareness and processing of visual stimuli.

Meninges

Membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, consisting of dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater.

Blood Brain Barrier

Protective barrier that restricts harmful substances from entering the brain.

Ventricular System

System that contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides support for the brain.

Callosal Agenesis

A condition characterized by the absence of the corpus callosum, leading to communication issues between brain hemispheres.