A & P Module 3: The Nervous System

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts of the nervous system, focusing on the brain's structure, functions, and related systems.

Brain

Part of the central nervous system that controls thought, movement, and daily functions.

CNS

Central Nervous System; responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Cerebral Hemispheres

Divisions of the brain into left and right halves, each controlling opposite sides of the body.

Sulci

Grooves or fissures in the brain.

Gyri

Bumps or ridges seen on the surface of the brain.

Cerebrum

Largest region of the brain responsible for voluntary activities, emotions, intelligence, and learning.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordination and movement, located behind the hindbrain.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum that controls body movement and processes information from sense organs.

Corpus Callosum

Bundle of fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that relays sensory information and regulates functions like blood flow.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate; located above the spinal cord.

Thalamus

Major relay station for sensory information from the spinal cord to the cerebrum.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis, hunger, thirst, and emotions; links nervous and endocrine systems.

Pituitary Gland

Small gland that secretes hormones regulating the endocrine system, controlled by the hypothalamus.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates essential functions.

Frontal Lobe

Processes information; responsible for emotions, judgment, and problem-solving.

Parietal Lobe

Receives sensory signals such as pain and temperature.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual interpretation and processing visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in speech, hearing, and memory; contains the hippocampus.

Forebrain

Largest brain region, responsible for thought and voluntary movement; includes cerebrum.

Midbrain

Middle region associated with vision, hearing, and motor control.

Hindbrain

Lower part of the brain responsible for vitals like breathing and heart rate.

Spinal Cord

Begins at the base of the cranium and extends down the vertebral column; transmits signals.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of nerves that carry both sensory and motor signals to and from the spinal cord.

Cervical Nerves

Spinal nerves that control the head, neck, shoulders, and arms.

Thoracic Nerves

Control the chest, upper back, and abdomen.

Lumbar Nerves

Control the lower back and legs.

Sacral Nerves

Control the pelvic region and legs.

Coccygeal Nerve

Controls the tailbone area.

Gray Matter

Center of the spinal cord made mostly of motor neurons and interneurons.

Dorsal Root

Sensory neurons carry information towards the spinal cord.

Ventral Root

Motor neurons carry commands away from the spinal cord to muscles.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, absorbs shock, and provides nutrients.

Skull

Hard outer shell protecting the brain.

Meninges

Protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Frontal Lobe Development

Takes 25 years to fully develop.

Brain Injury Severity

Depends on location and can affect essential life functions.

Unique Gyri and Sulci Patterns

Each person's brain has distinct patterns similar to fingerprints.

Signal Speed

Signals traveling to and from the brain can reach speeds up to 170 miles per hour.

Brain Weight

The average human brain weighs about three pounds.

CNS Definition

Central Nervous System; consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Interneurons

Neurons found only in the CNS that relay signals and coordinate between sensory and motor neurons.