Central Nervous System (CNS) and Human Brain Anatomy

Flashcards about the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Human Brain Anatomy

What is the nervous system?

A system of organs and cells specialized for coordinating behavior.

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

A series of nerves that carry information between the CNS and the rest of the body.

What are the main functions of the CNS?

Detects environmental changes and stimuli, processes information to produce a response, and coordinates muscles to produce a response.

What is white matter?

Consists of axons in the spinal cord.

What is grey matter?

Composed of cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses in the spinal cord.

What is the primary function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

To cushion the brain within the skull and serve as a shock absorber for the central nervous system.

What are the functions of the PNS?

Nerves and organs associated with a range of physiological responses.

What is the sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ response?

An automatic/involuntary response to prepare the body for stressful or threatening situations.

How is the brain organized structurally?

Divided into two near symmetrical hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum.

What is the function of the brain?

The source of conscious awareness and where decision-making takes place.

What is localization theory?

The idea that certain brain areas control specific behaviors and functions

What is the motor area?

A long strip at the back of the frontal lobe that controls movement.

What is the somatosensory area?

Processes sensations like touch, etc., and is at the front of the parietal lobe.

What are the functions of the frontal lobe?

Higher order processing and decision making, controls thinking and planning and includes the motor area and Broca's area for language.

What is Broca's area?

A small area in the lower left frontal lobe which controls speech production. Damage leads to Broca’s aphasia – difficulty in remembering and forming words

What is the somatosensory area of the Parietal Lobe?

Area where sensations are processed, such as touch, heat and pressure

What does the Occipital lobe contain?

the visual cortex, processes colour, shape and distance etc.

What are the functions of the Temporal Lobe?

Responsible for hearing and language

What is Wernicke’s Area?

In the upper left temporal lobe; involved in speech comprehension. Damage results in Wernicke’s aphasia.

What is the Thalamus?

Receives info from the senses and passes it to the relevant areas. Also sleep, wakefulness and OCD.

What is the function of the Hypothalamus?

Maintains a constant internal environment, detects stimuli and releases hormones to the pituitary gland.

What is the function of the Corpus Callosum?

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

What is the role of the Cerebellum?

Supports movement, balance and coordination. Also has a role in cognition (attention and language)

What do the Amygdala and Hippocampus do?

Amygdala – regulates emotional responses. Hippocampus – plays an essential role in the formation of new memories based on past experiences.

What are the functions of the Medulla Oblongata, Pons and Midbrain?

Medulla Oblongata: regulates functions of the autonomic nervous system. Pons: regulates breathing and REM sleep. Midbrain: motor movement.