Lecture Notes on Communication Disorders in Adults

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system as discussed in the Communication Disorders in Adults lecture series.

Median/Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into right and left parts.

Frontal/Coronal Plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Transverse/Horizontal Plane

Divides the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior) parts.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord, encased in the skull and vertebrae.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body; includes spinal and cranial nerves.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the CNS that provide framework for neurons and regulate brain fluid levels.

Neuron

Basic functional unit of the nervous system, consisting of a cell body, axon, and dendrites.

Hemispheres of the Brain

The cerebrum is divided into left and right hemispheres, responsible for different functions.

Broca’s Area

Located in the frontal lobe, responsible for speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

Located in the left temporal lobe, responsible for language comprehension.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movements and regulates balance; located at the back of the brain.

Ventricles

Cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that provide cushioning and remove waste.

Circle of Willis

A circular system of arteries at the base of the brain providing collateral blood flow.

Ischemic Stroke

Occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Occurs when there is bleeding in the brain.

Upper Motor Neurons (UMN)

Neurons that originate in the brain and connect to lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Lower Motor Neurons (LMN)

Neurons that originate in the spinal cord and connect to muscles.

Choroid Plexus

Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain.

Meninges

Three layers of protective tissue surrounding the CNS: dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, circulating through the ventricles and subarachnoid space.

Spinal Cord

Extends from the brainstem to the lower back and transmits signals between the brain and body.

Diencephalon

Contains thalamus and basal ganglia, important for sensory and motor signal integration.