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Cerebral Cortex
The superficial gray matter of the brain accounting for 40% of its mass; enables sensation, communication, memory, understanding, and voluntary movements.
Homunculus
Topographical representation of the motor and sensory cortexes indicating how different body regions correlate to areas in the brain.
Gray Matter
Contains neuron cell bodies and short nonmyelinated neurons; located at the central part of the spinal cord and within the brain.
White Matter
Mostly myelinated axons found outside the gray matter; responsible for communication between different parts of the CNS.
Lateralization
The idea that each hemisphere of the brain has abilities not shared with its partner.
Wernicke's Area
Area of the brain involved in language comprehension and word analysis, typically located in the left hemisphere.
Broca's Area
Motor speech area located in the frontal lobe that directs the muscles of the tongue and is active during speech preparation.
Thalamus
Part of the diencephalon, it relays all afferent impulses from senses and plays a key role in sensation, motor activities, and memory.
Hypothalamus
A central part of the diencephalon that regulates various body functions including temperature, hunger, and the sleep cycle.
Cerebellum
Area of the brain responsible for precise timing and patterns of muscle contractions, contributing to smooth coordinated movements.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
A watery solution similar to blood plasma that nourishes the brain, protects it from trauma, and provides a cushion.
Meninges
Three connective tissue membranes protecting the CNS: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
Central Canal
A hollow tube in the spinal cord that contains cerebrospinal fluid.
Dura Mater
The tough, outer layer of the meninges that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Arachnoid Mater
The middle layer of the meninges that contains a wide subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Pia Mater
The delicate inner layer of the meninges that clings tightly to the surface of the brain.
Cerebral White Matter
Consists of myelinated fibers and is responsible for communication between the cerebral cortex and lower CNS centers.
Cerebral Hemispheres
The two halves of the cerebrum which control different functions and are involved in lateralization of brain function.
Cerebral Aqueduct
A hollow tube connecting the third and fourth ventricles, located in the midbrain.
