Nervous System Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the nervous system lecture notes, providing definitions and explanations for essential topics.

Poliomyelitis

A virus that attacks and destroys the cell bodies of motor neurons.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges; it has a thin, spider web-like appearance and serves as protection and nourishment to the CNS.

Foramen Magnum

The opening in the skull through which the spinal cord exits the cranium.

Parkinson’s Disease

A progressive disorder associated with a lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Hypothalamus

A part of the brain that regulates homeostasis by serving as a link between the endocrine and nervous systems, controlling functions like heart rate and body temperature.

Pineal Gland

A gland in the diencephalon that secretes the hormone melatonin.

Cerebral Apoplexy

Tissue death in part of the brain, usually in the cerebral cortex, due to a hemorrhage or blood clot.

Fissure

Deeper grooves on the cerebrum, contrasting with ridges known as gyri.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe of the brain responsible for vision.

Dura Mater

The most superficial meningeal layer; it is white, fibrous connective tissue covering the brain and is deep to the cranium.

Motor Nerve Fibers (Efferent Fibers)

Nerve fibers that transmit impulses away from the CNS to an effector, such as a muscle or gland.

Adrenaline

A neurotransmitter responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and addiction.

Meninges

Three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord: Dura Mater, Arachnoid Mater, and Pia Mater.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid found in the ventricles of the brain; it serves as protection and a diagnostic tool.

Cauda Equina

The collection of spinal nerves at the terminal end of the spinal cord.

Ascending Tracts

Nerve tracts that carry sensory impulses toward the brain.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain with a thin layer of grey matter over white matter and is divided into hemispheres by the longiudinal fissure.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe of the brain that controls planning, judgment, and decision-making.

Arbor Vitae

The tree-like arrangement of grey and white matter in the cerebellum.

Crossing-over of nerve tracts

Occurs at the medulla oblongata and is responsible for motor control from the opposite side of the body.

Olfactory Nerve

The cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response.