Central Nervous System Lecture Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the Central Nervous System including protective structures, brain anatomy, lobes, spinal cord tracts, and functional centers.

Meninges

The connective tissue coverings that protect the brain and spinal cord, consisting of three layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Dura Mater

The outermost and strongest layer of the meninges, also known as "Tough Mother."

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, characterized by a spider-web-like appearance.

Pia Mater

The thin, innermost layer of the meninges that directly covers the brain and spinal cord, also known as "Soft Mother."

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A fluid produced by ependymal cells in the choroid plexuses that provides cushioning, waste removal, and nutrient supply to the CNS.

Tight Junctions

Components of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) formed by epithelial cells and astrocyte foot processes that restrict the flow of substances from the blood into the CNS.

Medulla Oblongata

The part of the brainstem containing the cardiovascular center, rhythmicity area, and pyramids where decussation of the corticospinal tracts occurs.

Pons

The part of the brainstem, meaning "bridge," that contains the pneumotaxic and apneustic areas and connects the cortex to the opposite cerebellum.

Midbrain

The part of the brainstem containing the superior colliculus (visual reflexes) and inferior colliculus (auditory/startle reflexes).

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

A component of the reticular formation responsible for consciousness, arousal, attention, and filtering out unnecessary sensory information.

Thalamus

The major relay station of the brain where sensory neurons (except olfaction) synapse before information is sent to the cerebrum.

Hypothalamus

The "CEO" of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, regulating temperature, circadian rhythm, eating, and drinking.

Epithalamus

The region containing the pineal gland, which secretes melatonin, and the habenular nuclei, involved in emotional connections to smell.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for muscle coordination, balance, and posture by evaluating and correcting motor movements initiated by the cerebrum.

Hemispheric Lateralization

The functional specialization of the brain where certain tasks, such as logic or creativity, are primarily controlled by one specific hemisphere.

Corpus Callosum

The tract of white matter that connects and allows communication between the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Broca's Area

A motor area in the frontal lobe responsible for speech production; damage causes nonfluent aphasia.

Wernicke's Area

An area in the temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension; damage causes fluent aphasia or "word salad."

Limbic System

The "emotional brain" composed of structures like the hippocampus (memory) and the amygdala (fear and aggression).

Basal Nuclei

A group of nuclei in the cerebral hemispheres that regulate the initiation and termination of subconscious movements, such as the automatic arm swing.

Conus Medullaris

The tapered, lower end of the spinal cord located near the level of $L2$.

Cauda Equina

A collection of spinal nerves at the base of the spinal column, appearing like a horse's tail.

Spinothalamic Tracts

Ascending sensory tracts in the spinal cord that carry information regarding pain, temperature, itching, tickling, deep pressure, and crude touch.

Corticospinal Tracts

Descending motor tracts divided into lateral (distal limbs) and anterior (proximal limbs/trunk) pathways for voluntary movement.

Circle of Willis

Also known as the Cerebral Circle, it is the arrangement of arteries providing the principal arterial supply to the brain.