Lecture Notes on Brain Development and Structure

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on brain development and structure.

Dorsal hollow nerve cord

Embryonic structure that gives rise to the central nervous system.

Cephalization

The developmental process of forming a head.

Forebrain

The anterior swelling of the neural tube, which further divides into telencephalon and diencephalon.

Telencephalon

A region of the forebrain that develops into the cerebrum.

Diencephalon

A region of the forebrain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Thalamus

The brain region that acts as a relay station for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

The master regulator of autonomic functions and hormone release.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for motor coordination and balance.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled spaces in the brain that house cerebral spinal fluid.

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain, removes waste, and provides stability.

Meninges

Three connective tissue layers that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Pia mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that adheres to the brain.

Arachnoid mater

The middle layer of the meninges, with a space that contains CSF.

Dura mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges with two connected layers.

Corpora quadrigemina

Part of the midbrain involved in visual and auditory reflexes.

Basal nuclei

Clusters of neuronal cell bodies within the brain important for movement regulation.

Cerebral peduncles

Structures in the midbrain that contain descending motor pathways.

Prefrontal cortex

The part of the frontal lobe involved in complex behaviors and decision-making.

Proprioception

The awareness of body position in space.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and change throughout an individual's life.

Dural venous sinuses

Blood-filled spaces formed by the separation of the layers of the dura mater.

Amyloid plaques

Sticky waste products that can accumulate and lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

Sleep deprivation

A state of insufficient sleep that can lead to cognitive and health issues.

Phineas Gage

A historical case study demonstrating the role of the prefrontal cortex in behavior.