Nervous, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems Overview

Comprehensive vocabulary terms covering the anatomy and physiology of the nervous and urinary systems, including related reproductive health conditions.

Hypothalamus

A regulator of homeostasis and hormonal regulator known as the "body thermostat" that links the nervous and endocrine systems.

Basal ganglia

Islands of gray matter located deep in the brain responsible for automatic, voluntary movements and postures.

Corpus callosum

Nervous tissue that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to work together.

Limbic system

The center of pleasure related to emotions, smell, memory, and feelings; it is where endorphins are secreted.

Endorphins

Secretions in the limbic system that cause an analgesic effect, reducing pain and the negative effects of stress.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem responsible for visual and auditory reflexes, such as automatically ducking away from an object, and balance.

Pons -Bridge of Varolius-

Located in the upper part of the medulla oblongata, it contains nervous centers for breathing, eye movement, and facial expression.

Medulla Oblongata

The part of the brainstem that regulates "Vital signs" including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, as well as reflexes like coughing and vomiting.

Thalamus

A relay station for all sensory input except smell; it associates pleasant and unpleasant feelings with sensory input.

Cerebrum

Also called the forebrain, it is the largest portion of the brain responsible for interpreting sensory information and initiating motor responses.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain that controls conscious behavior, memory, perception, language, and voluntary movements.

Frontal Lobe

The brain lobe that acts as the motor nervous center, language center, and personality center.

Cerebellum

The second-largest part of the brain, responsible for coordination, regulation of muscle tone, and maintaining posture and balance.

Sympathetic Autonomic Nervous System (SANS)

The division of the ANS dominant during stress, anger, or fear; it mobilizes the body for "fight or flight" and is located in the thoracolumbar area.

Parasympathetic Autonomic Nervous System (PANS)

The division dominant in calm conditions; it prepares the body for "rest and digest" and is located in the craniosacral region.

pH

Refers to the "Potential of Hydrogen" and is used to determine acid or base content; it is ultimately regulated by the kidneys.

Kidneys

Bean-shaped glands located between $T12$ and $L3$ that filter blood plasma and maintain hydroelectrolytic and acid-base balance.

Nephron

The basic functional unit of the kidney, consisting of the renal corpuscle and the renal tubule, which forms urine.

Bowman's capsule

A cup-shaped structure in the renal cortex that surrounds the glomerulus and marks the origin of the nephron.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries from the afferent and efferent arterioles that allows for plasma filtration.

Renin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure by causing blood vessels to contract.

Micturition

The medical term for the act of urination, which begins with a reflex of the spinal cord.

Kegel exercises

Contraction and relaxation exercises for the pelvic muscles designed to strengthen the muscles involved in urination and control incontinence.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection, resulting in pain and frequent urination.

Urolithiasis

Also known as Kidney stones; small crystalline substances consisting of calcium, uric acids, or other products often caused by dehydration.

Cryptorchidism

A condition in which the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.

Endometrium

The tissue layer that lines the inside of the uterus.

Endometriosis

A condition where endometrial tissue is present in areas other than the uterus, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes.