Central Nervous System (CNS) Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the central nervous system, its anatomy, functions, and associated protective mechanisms.

Paired (left and right) superior parts of the brain that include more than half of the brain mass.

Gyri

Ridges on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Sulci

Grooves on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Fissures

Deeper grooves in the brain compared to sulci.

Cortex

Superficial gray matter of the cerebral hemispheres.

Basal nuclei

Deep pockets of gray matter within the cerebral hemispheres that regulate voluntary motor activities.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum, involved in numerous functions including sensory processing and voluntary motor control.

Primary somatic sensory area

Located in the parietal lobe, it receives impulses from the body's sensory receptors.

Motor homunculus

A spatial map that represents the body in the primary motor cortex.

Thalamus

A structure in the diencephalon that acts as a relay station for sensory impulses.

Hypothalamus

A structure in the diencephalon that regulates autonomic bodily functions and houses the limbic center for emotions.

Epithalamus

Forms the roof of the third ventricle and includes the pineal body and choroid plexus.

Blood-brain barrier

A selective barrier that prevents certain substances from entering the brain.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Spinal cord

The part of the central nervous system that extends from the brainstem and conducts impulses to and from the brain.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of all the nerves and ganglia outside the central nervous system.

Somatic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest-and-digest' activities.