Central nervous system

gyrus

elevated ridges/folds on the brain’s surface that increases surface area of the cerebral cortex

sulcus

shallow groove or furrow ( between gyro that separates brain regions) on the surface of brain

fissure

deep groove that separates motor regions/lobes

cerebral cortex

the outer layer of gray matter responsible for thinking, perception, memory, and decision making ( higher order thinking)

cerebral white matter

tissue beneath the cerebral cortex consisting mostly of myelinated axons that connect different areas of the brain.

corpus callosum

the large band of neural fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating interhemispheric communication.

diencephalon

the region of the brain located between the cerebral cortex and the brainstem, which includes structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus, playing a critical role in sensory and regulatory functions.

limbic system

emotional and memory system including hippocampus , amygdala, hypothalamus

meninges

3 protective layers covering brain + spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater

dura mater

outermost, thought protective layer ( tough mother)

arachnoid mater

middle, web- like layer with cerebrospinal fluid flowing beneath it

pia mater

innermost delicate layer that clings to the brain surface

cerebrospinal fluid

cushions brain and spinal cord, provides nutrients, removes waste 

cerebral cortex

outer gray matter region involved in conscious thoughts, sensation, and movement

primary somatic sensory area

receives and interprets sensory info from the body (touch, pain, temp); located in parietal lobe 

primary motor area

controls voluntary muscle movement; located in frontal lobe

Broca’s area

controls speech production (left frontal lobe)

wernicke's area

responsible for understanding languages (left temporal)

gray matter

cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers; processes info

thalamus

relay station for sensory impulses traveling to the cortex

hypothalamus

regulates body temp, hunger, thirst, emotions, and pituitary gland

pituitary gland

“master gland” controlling hormones like growth, stress, and reproduction 

brain stem

connects brain to spinal cord; controls basic life functions (breathing, heartbeat) 

midbrain

part of brainstem for vision, hearing, and reflexes

pons

relay center linking cerebrum and cerebellum; controls breathing

medulla oblongata

controls vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure and swallowing

reticular activating system

network that maintains alertness and consciousness

cerebellum

coordinates balance, posture, and fine motor movements