A&P Ch.13 Anatomy of Nervous System

A series of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system.

Meninges

Protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions, including thought and action.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that regulates coordination and balance.

Diencephalon

Contains structures like thalamus and hypothalamus, serving as a relay station for sensory information.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord containing neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

White Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord primarily made of myelinated axons.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that arise directly from the brain, controlling various functions.

Limbic System

Group of structures involved in emotion, memory, and learning.

Pyramidal Decussation

Region in the medulla where motor fibers cross to the opposite side of the body.

Left (Categorical) Hemisphere

The left cerebral hemisphere is primarily responsible for language processing, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, providing a tough protective covering for the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, characterized by a web-like appearance, providing a cushioning effect around the brain.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the surface of the brain, containing blood vessels that supply the brain.

Brain Stem

The portion of the brain that connects to the spinal cord, responsible for automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Falx Cerebri

A sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Falx Cerebelli

A small fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebellar hemispheres.

Tentorium Cerebelli

A fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the overlying cerebrum.

Lateral Ventricles

Two large cavities located within each hemisphere of the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Third Ventricle

A narrow, vertical cavity in the center of the brain that connects the two lateral ventricles with the fourth ventricle.

Fourth Ventricle

A cavity located between the brain stem and the cerebellum, which also contains cerebrospinal fluid and connects to the spinal cord.

Sulcus

A groove or indentation in the surface of the brain, separating adjacent gyri.

Gyrus

A raised or bulging ridge on the surface of the brain, which helps to increase the surface area for neuronal connections.

Thalamus

A relay station for sensory information, processing signals before they reach the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A small region of the brain that regulates vital functions such as thirst, hunger, sleep, and temperature control.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped structure involved in emotion regulation, particularly fear and pleasure responses.

Hippocampus

A critical brain structure for memory formation and spatial navigation, essential for learning.