Human Anatomy and Physiology - Central Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Central Nervous System as discussed in the lecture notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Cephalization

Evolutionary development of the rostral (anterior) portion of CNS, resulting in increased neurons.

Neural tube

Embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled chambers in the brain connected to the central canal of the spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebral hemispheres

Superior part of the brain that accounts for 83% of brain mass, divided into lobes.

Gyri

Ridges on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Sulci

Shallow grooves in the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Fissures

Deep grooves in the cerebral hemispheres, such as the longitudinal fissure.

Gray matter

Regions of the brain containing short, nonmyelinated neurons and cell bodies.

White matter

Regions of the brain consisting of myelinated and nonmyelinated axons.

Somatosensory cortex

Area of the cortex that receives general sensory information from the skin and proprioceptors.

Broca's area

Motor speech area involved in planning speech and directing muscles of speech production.

Lateralization

Division of labor between the two cerebral hemispheres.

Premotor cortex

Area of the brain that helps plan movements and coordinates skilled motor activities.

Primary visual cortex

Cortex area that receives and processes visual information.

Cerebral dominance

Refers to the hemisphere that is dominant for language, typically the left in 90% of people.

Multimodal association areas

Regions that receive inputs from multiple sensory areas and are involved in processing information.

Limbic association area

Part of the limbic system involved in emotional impact and memory establishment.

Ependymal cells

Neuroglial cells that line the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord.