PSYC201 Anatomical terms referring to direction & parts of the nervous system

Dorsal

Towards the back (away from the stomach side)

Ventral

Toward the stomach (away from the back)

Anterior

Toward the front end

Posterior

Toward the rear end

Superior

Above another part

Inferior

Below another part

Lateral

Toward the side, away from the midline

Medial

Toward the midline, away from the sides

Proximal

Located close (approximate) to the point of origin or attachment

Distal

Located more distant to the point of origin or attachment

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body (e.g. Two parts on the left, or two parts on the right)

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body (e.g. One on the left and one on the right)

Coronal plane (frontal plane)

A plane showcasing the brain from the front

Sagittal plane

A plane showcasing the brain from the side

Horizontal plane

A plane showcasing the brain from above

Lamina

A row of cell bodies separated from other cell bodies by a layer of axons and dendrites

Column

A set of cells perpendicular to the surface of the cortex, with similar properties

Tract

A set of axons within the CNS, also known as a projection

Nerve

A set of axons in the periphery, either from the CNS to a muscle or from a sensory organ to the CNS

Nucleus

A cluster of neuron cell bodies in the CNS

Ganglion

A cluster of neuron cell bodies typically outside the CNS

Gyrus

A protuberance on the surface of the brain

Sulcus

A fold or groove that separates one gyrus from another

Fissure

A long, deep sulcus

Olfactory major function:

Smell

Optic major function:

Vision

Oculomotor major function:

Controls the movements of the eyes; pupil constriction

Trochlear major function:

Control eye movements

Trigeminal major function:

Skin sensations from most of the face; control of the jaw muscle for chewing and swallowing

Abducens major function:

Control of eye movement

Statoacoustic major function:

Hearing; equilibrium