Neuroanatomy and Functions: Vocab Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards that cover key terms related to neuroanatomy and motor control functions.

Primary Motor Cortex

Region of the cerebral cortex that controls voluntary movements.

Premotor Cortex

Area involved in planning and coordinating movements.

Somatosensory Cortex

Region that processes sensory information from the body.

Wernicke's Area

Region of the brain responsible for language comprehension.

Broca's Area

Region of the brain involved in language production.

Internal Capsule

White matter structure that contains motor and sensory pathways.

Basal Nuclei

Collection of subcortical nuclei involved in motor control.

Corticospinal Tract

Major pathway that controls voluntary motor function.

Subthalamic Nucleus

Part of the basal ganglia that plays a role in regulating movement.

Globus Pallidus

A component of the basal ganglia involved in the regulation of voluntary movement.

Striatum

Part of the basal ganglia that includes the caudate nucleus and putamen; involved in motor control and cognitive functions.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Huntington's Disease

Genetic disorder characterized by abnormal movements and cognitive decline due to degeneration of the basal ganglia.

Parkinson's Disease

Neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

Cerebellum

Brain region important for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.

Folia

Folds of tissue in the cerebellum that increase surface area.

Purkinje Cells

Large neurons in the cerebellar cortex that output inhibitory signals.

Climbing Fibers

Afferent fibers that originate from the inferior olivary nucleus and synapse on Purkinje cells.

Mossy Fibers

Afferent fibers that provide input to granule cells in the cerebellum.

Cerebrocerebellum

Region of the cerebellum involved in planning and timing of movements.

Vestibulocerebellum

Part of the cerebellum that integrates vestibular information for balance and eye movements.

Spinocerebellum

Region of the cerebellum involved in managing ongoing movements.