week one

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Composed of nerves outside the CNS; includes the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and relays sensory information to the CNS.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A division of the ANS that prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the ANS that promotes the ‘rest-and-digest’ response.

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of nerves that extend from the brain, involved in sensory and motor functions.

Dura Mater

The tough outermost membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, known for its spiderweb-like appearance.

Pia Mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that adheres closely to the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain, produced by choroid plexuses and circulated in ventricles.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

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

Multipolar Neuron

A neuron with multiple processes extending from its cell body, common in the CNS.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that form myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that form myelin and support axonal regeneration.

Microglia

Glial cells that act as the immune defense of the CNS, responding to injury or disease.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that maintain the BBB and regulate blood flow.

Golgi Stain

A neuroanatomical technique that stains a small number of neurons to visualize their structure.

Nissl Stain

A staining method that identifies neuron cell bodies by coloring RNA.

Electron Microscopy

A technique offering high magnification to study fine neuronal structures.

Thalamus

A relay station for sensory information located in the diencephalon.

Hypothalamus

A brain region managing homeostasis and motivated behaviors, linking to the endocrine system.

Cerebellum

A brain structure essential for motor control, balance, and coordination.

Pons

Part of the metencephalon involved in respiration and communication between brain structures.

Amygdala

A key structure in the limbic system responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear.

Hippocampus

A critical structure for memory formation located in the medial temporal lobe.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei involved in voluntary motor control and decision-making processes.

Neocortex

The part of the cerebral cortex involved in higher-order brain functions, structured in six layers.

Proximal

Describes structures that are closer to the CNS.

Distal

Describes structures that are farther from the CNS.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer formed by glial cells that insulates axons to speed up signal transmission.

Hydrocephalus

A condition characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles, leading to increased pressure.

Reticular Formation

A network in the brainstem involved in regulating arousal, sleep, and attention.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) covering the CNS.