Central Nervous System and Brain Structure

A series of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to the central nervous system, brain structure, and their functions based on lecture notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, including the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

Diencephalon

Part of the brain containing structures like the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland.

Gray Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated tracts, primarily on the outside in the cerebrum and cerebellum.

White Matter

Composed of myelinated tracts, found deeper in the brain than gray matter.

Hemispheric Lateralization

The division of labor between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Cerebral Dominance

Usually refers to the left hemisphere being dominant for language and analytical tasks.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in voluntary movement, reasoning, planning, and speech production.

Broca's Area

Region in the dominant hemisphere responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

Area that helps in understanding written language, located in the dominant hemisphere.

Thalamus

Acts as a relay station for sensory information, known as the 'gateway to the cortex'.

Hypothalamus

Regulates autonomic functions, hormones, and vital body activities like thirst and hunger.

Cerebellum

Coordinates muscle contractions and maintains balance.

Amygdala

Part of the limbic system involved in emotion and fear response.

Hippocampus

Involved in the consolidation of long-term memory.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Protective barrier that selectively allows substances to enter the brain.

Ependymal Cells

Cells that line brain ventricles and help produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Parkinson's Disease

A disorder caused by degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A neurodegenerative condition leading to loss of motor neurons and muscle control.

Spinal Cord

Connects the brain to the body and contains sensory and motor pathways.

Descending Tracts

Pathways that convey motor information from the brain to the body.

Ascending Tracts

Pathways that transmit sensory information from the body to the brain.