Chapter 12 Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary terms from the Central Nervous System lecture notes.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into right and left hemispheres.

Longitudinal Fissure

Separates the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of neuron cell bodies.

Diencephalon

A core region of the forebrain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Thalamus

Brain's sensory relay station; sorts, edits, and relays sensory inputs to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Controls autonomic nervous system functions, regulates emotional responses, body temperature, and oversees the endocrine system.

Epithalamus

Contains the pineal gland, which secretes melatonin and helps regulate circadian rhythms.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain with the spinal cord and contains fiber tracts and nuclei involved in autonomic functions.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem that contains visual and auditory reflex centers and the substantia nigra.

Substantia Nigra

Part of basal nuclei system; its degeneration is linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Pons

Bridges the cerebrum and cerebellum ,plays a role in motor control, sensory analysis, and breathing regulation.

Medulla Oblongata

Contains autonomic centers (cardiac, vasomotor, respiratory) and regulates swallowing, vomiting, and coughing.

Cerebellum

Located behind the brain stem; provides coordination for voluntary movements and balance.

Meninges

Three layers of protective connective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

Strongest, outermost layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer of the meninges with web-like extensions.

Subarachnoid Space

Space containing CSF and blood vessels between the arachnoid and pia mater.

Pia Mater

Delicate inner layer of the meninges that clings to the brain surface.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid formed by the choroid plexus that cushions the brain/spinal cord and maintains chemical stability.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.

Conus Medullaris

Cone-shaped end of the spinal cord.

Filum Terminale

Fibrous extension anchoring the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Cauda Equina

Collection of nerve roots below L1 in the spinal cord.

Dorsal Horns

Area of gray matter in the spinal cord receiving somatic and visceral sensory input.

Ventral Horns

Area of gray matter in the spinal cord containing somatic motor neuron cell bodies.

Lateral Horns

Area of gray matter in the spinal cord containing sympathetic motor neurons (thoracic/lumbar only).

Paralysis

Motor loss due to ventral root or ventral horn damage.

Paraplegia

Injury between T1 and L1 resulting in loss of leg function.