NeuroAnatomy

Neuroanatomy

The study of the nervous system structure and its relation to function.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all the nerves outside the central nervous system.

Neuron

The basic cellular unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information.

Glia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide insulation, nutrients, and support to neurons.

Synapse

The junction where neurotransmitters are released from one neuron to communicate with another.

Neurotransmitter

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

Receptor

Proteins on the surface of a cell that bind to neurotransmitters.

Action Potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along the axon of a neuron.

Resting Potential

The difference in charge across the cell membrane of a resting neuron.

Depolarization

The process during which the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive).

Repolarization

The process of restoring the membrane potential to its resting state after depolarization.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that sets motor activity and coordinates voluntary muscles.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain associated with emotions and memory.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Upper Motor Neurons

Neurons that convey impulses from the motor areas of the brain to lower motor neurons.

Lower Motor Neurons

Neurons that send signals from the spinal cord to muscles.

Basal Ganglia

Group of nuclei in the brain involved in the control of movement.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that controls autonomic functions and regulates homeostasis.

Hippocampus

A part of the limbic system involved in memory formation.

Broca’s Area

Region of the frontal lobe associated with language production.

Wernicke’s Area

Region of the temporal lobe associated with language comprehension.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself after injury or during learning.

Functional Recovery

The process through which the brain regains abilities lost after injury or illness.

Cortical Mapping

The process of determining the areas of the brain responsible for particular functions.