Central Nervous System

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the central nervous system, including structures and functions of the brain.

Central Nervous System

Composed of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, involved in higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that regulates motor control and coordination.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain and spinal cord; controls involuntary functions including heartbeat and breathing.

Spinal Cord

A cylindrical structure within the vertebral column that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Grey Matter

Regions of the brain containing cell bodies (somas) and dendrites.

White Matter

Regions of the brain primarily composed of axons, which are often wrapped in myelin.

Cerebral Cortex

Outermost layer of the brain, involved in complex brain functions.

Lobes of the Brain

Regions of the cerebrum: Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain and control functions of the head and neck.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Hypothalamus

Brain region controlling various autonomic functions and hormone production.

Thalamus

Part of the brain that processes sensory information and relays it to the appropriate areas.

Corpus Callosum

Structure connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Arbor Vitae

Tree-like structure in the cerebellum composed of white matter.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another target cell.

Brain Ventricles

Four fluid-filled cavities within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Limbic System

A group of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that relays signals from the forebrain to the cerebellum, and plays a role in sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, equilibrium, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, facial sensation, and posture.

Medulla Oblongata

The lowest part of the brainstem, which controls vital involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion.