Organization of the Nervous System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the organization and function of the nervous system, including structural components, reflex actions, brain regions, and associated functional roles.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, containing the cell bodies of most neurons.

Spinal Reflex

A reflex action in which sensory information entering the spinal cord is acted on without input from the brain.

Neuronal Ganglia

Clusters of neuronal cell bodies in invertebrates that control nearby parts of the body.

Decussation

The crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the body to the other, often occurring in the medulla.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain involved with homeostasis and drives like hunger, thirst, and aggression.

Thalamus

Acts as a relay station for sensory information before it reaches the cortex.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and integrates sensory information with motor output.

Broca’s Area

Region of the brain involved in the production of speech.

Wernicke’s Area

Region of the brain involved in the comprehension of language.

Limbic System

A group of structures including the hippocampus and amygdala, involved in emotion and memory.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, driven by an endogenous clock.

Perception

The brain's interpretation of sensory stimuli, occurring in the association areas of the cortex.

Neurotransmitter (NT)

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A technique used to measure and map brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Phrenology

The study of the size and shape of the skull as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities.

Neuronal Connections

The pathways formed by synapses between neurons that facilitate communication within the nervous system.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that connects the cerebellum to the cerebrum and is involved in regulating breathing.

Medulla Oblongata

The lowest part of the brainstem, responsible for autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher brain functions, including reasoning and sensory perception.

Ganglia

Structures containing the cell bodies of neurons; essential for processing information in invertebrates.

Motor Cortex

Area of the cerebral cortex responsible for the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.

Somatosensory Cortex

Part of the brain that processes sensory input from the body, particularly touch.

Diencephalon

Part of the brain located between the brainstem and cerebrum, including the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate bodily functions.