Nervous System Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The most superior part of the brain, collectively called the cerebrum, covering the diencephalon and the brain stem.

Gyri

Elevated ridges of tissue on the cerebral cortex; plural of gyrus.

Sulci

Shallow grooves that separate gyri on the cerebral cortex.

Fissures

Deeper grooves that separate large regions of the brain.

Longitudinal Fissure

The single deep fissure that separates the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum responsible for higher brain functions including speech, memory, and voluntary movement.

Primary Somatic Sensory Area

Located in the parietal lobe, this area interprets sensory impulses from the body.

Sensory Homunculus

A spatial map of the body's sensory receptors represented in an upside-down manner in the sensory area of the brain.

Primary Motor Area

Located in the frontal lobe, this area is responsible for voluntary movement of skeletal muscles.

Corticospinal Tract

The major voluntary motor tract that descends from the primary motor area to the spinal cord.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, consisting of a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes that stimulate skeletal muscles, such as the knee-jerk reflex.

Autonomic Reflexes

Reflexes that regulate the activity of smooth muscles, the heart, and glands.

Diencephalon

A region of the brain located beneath the cerebral hemispheres, encompassing structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released by neurons to communicate with other neurons across synapses.

Action Potential

A neural impulse that is a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Synaptic Cleft

The space between a transmitting neuron and a receiving neuron where neurotransmitters are released.

Motor Homunculus

A body map on the motor cortex representing regions with fine motor control.