Neural Pathways, Limbic System, and Cerebral Anatomy (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on sensory pathways, thalamus, visual system, limbic system, and cerebral anatomy.

Dorsal root

Sensory input to the spinal cord; contains the dorsal root ganglion where sensory neuron cell bodies reside.

Ventral root

Motor output from the spinal cord; carries motor information away from the spinal cord.

Spinal nerve

A mixed nerve formed by the union of the dorsal and ventral roots; conducts both sensory and motor signals.

Dorsal root ganglion

Cluster of cell bodies of sensory neurons located in the dorsal root.

Posterior column

Major somatic sensory pathway in the spinal cord for fine touch, vibration, and proprioception.

Somatic nervous system

Motor system that controls skeletal (voluntary) muscles.

Autonomic nervous system

Motor system that controls visceral organs and glands (involuntary actions).

Gray matter

CNS tissue containing neuron cell bodies; contrasts with white matter.

White matter

Myelinated axon tracts in the CNS; speeds signal transmission between brain regions.

Thalamus

Relay center that forwards sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Lateral geniculate nucleus

Thalamic visual relay that sends retinal input to the visual cortex.

Retina

Layer at the back of the eye containing photoreceptors; initiates visual signaling.

Optic nerve

Bundle of sensory fibers carrying visual information from the retina toward the brain.

Optic chiasm

Crossing point where fibers from the nasal retina decussate to the opposite side.

Optic tract

Path after the chiasm that relays visual information to the thalamus and cortex.

Decussation

Crossing over of nerve fibers to the opposite side.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body or brain.

Hippocampus

Limbic system structure essential for memory formation.

Hypothalamus

Limbic system regulator of physiology and homeostasis; major autonomic controller.

Fornix

Limbic tract linking the hippocampus with other limbic structures involved in memory.

Cingulate gyrus

Limbic cortex area involved in emotion and memory processing.

Limbic system

Network of limbic structures (e.g., hypothalamus, hippocampus, thalamus, fornix, cingulate gyrus) governing memory and emotion.

Cerebellum

Brain region that stores motor programs for skeletal movement and coordinates action.

Gyri

Outward folds on the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

Inward grooves (fissures) on the cerebral cortex.

Frontal lobe

Cerebral lobe involved in language, movement, and executive functions.

Parietal lobe

Cerebral lobe involved in sensation and language processing; spatial awareness.

Occipital lobe

Cerebral lobe dedicated to visual processing; contains primary visual cortex.

Temporal lobe

Cerebral lobe involved in memory and auditory processing.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain; two hemispheres with folds (gyri) and grooves (sulci) enabling higher functions.