Human Anatomy and Physiology: Nervous System Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the nervous system.

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher brain functions like thought and action.

Cerebral Cortex

The region of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord, controlling vital functions.

Brainstem

The part of the brain that helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance.

Cerebellum

A cylindrical structure that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Spinal Cord

Clear fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord by providing cushioning and nutrient transport.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

The tough outermost layer of the meninges.

Dura Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, resembling a spider web.

Arachnoid Mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that clings closely to the brain.

Pia Mater

Twelve pairs of nerves that directly arise from the brain and control various functions, including sensory and motor activities.

Cranial Nerves

The brain structure that acts as a relay station for sensory information.

Thalamus

An area of the brain responsible for regulating many homeostatic functions, including hunger and thirst.

Hypothalamus

The lobe associated with reasoning, planning, movement, and problem-solving.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe responsible for processing sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe that processes visual information.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe associated with hearing, taste, and memory.

Temporal Lobe

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that relaxes the body and conserves energy.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerves to increase the speed of neural impulses.

Myelination

function of midbrain

• Coordinates movement of head, eyes, & trunk in response to visual & hearing stimuli

• Contribute to control of movement

Functions of Pons

• Relays nerve impulses from motor areas of cerebrum to cerebellum

• Control of breathing

Function of medulla oblangata

• Control of heart beat and blood pressure

• Control of breathing

• Vomiting, swallowing, sneezing, coughing, & hiccups

What are the parts of the cerebellum?

• Anteriori Lobe: Spinocerebellum and Paleocerebellum

• Posterior Lobe: Cerebrocerebellum and neocerebellum

• Flocculonodular Lobe: Vestibulocerebellum and Archicerebellum

function of the Spinocerebellum and Paleocerebellum?

Trunk Control

function of the Cerebrocerebellum and neocerebellum?

Coordination

function of the Vestibulocerebellum and Archicerebellum?

Balance and Equilibrium

functioon of Dorsal/posterior Horn

receives sensory input

function of the ventral/anterior horn

sends motor impulses

function of the lateral horn

sympathetic nervous system

function of the dorsal columns

sensory input about proprioception

function the anterior columns

Sensory input about tactile sensations

function of the lateral columns

Sensory input about tactitle sensations

Characteristic and function of the parts of the cerebrospinal fluuid

• Clear, color less liquid composed primarily of water, small amounts of O2, glucose and other needed chemicals from blood ton neurons & neuroglia

• Total volume Is 80-150mL or 3-5oz

• for mechanical protection, chemical protection, and circulation.

how is the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid?

• CSF is produced by the choroid plexus in three main ventricles:

  • Lateral Ventricle → Flows through Foramen of Monroe

  • Third Ventricle → Flows through Aqueduct of Sylvius

  • Fourth Ventricle → Exits via Foramen of Luschka & Foramen of Magendie

• CSF enters the subarachnoid space, where it circulates the brain and spinal cord.

• CSF is drained into the arachnoid villi of the dural venous sinuses and reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

• Arterial blood (from the heart and lungs) supplies oxygen and nutrients to maintain CSF production.