Module 1: Neuroanatomical Terminology & Gross Anatomy of the Brain

These flashcards cover key neuroanatomical terminology and the gross anatomy of the brain, focusing on important concepts and definitions for neuroscience.

Neuron

The fundamental functional unit of the nervous system responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information via electrical and chemical signals.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that provide structural support, insulation (myelin), and protection for neurons, while also maintaining the extracellular environment.

Nucleus

A discrete cluster or collection of neuron cell bodies (soma) located within the Central Nervous System (CNS), often serving a specific functional role.

Ganglia

Localized groups of neuron cell bodies found outside the CNS, primarily associated with the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Soma (Cell Body)

The metabolic center of the neuron containing the nucleus; it integrates incoming electrical signals from the dendrites and determines whether to fire an action potential.

Axon

A long, slender projection that conducts electrical impulses (action potentials) away from the neuron cell body toward other cells or effector organs.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions from the neuron cell body that serve as the primary site for receiving incoming chemical signals from other neurons.

Axon Terminals

The specialized distal ends of an axon that release neurotransmitters into the synapse to communicate with a post-synaptic target.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord primarily composed of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons; it is responsible for signal processing and integration.

White Matter

Nervous tissue dominated by myelinated axonal projections that appear white due to their fatty insulation; these tracts facilitate high-speed communication between distant brain regions.

Association Fibers

Specialized white matter tracts that connect different cortical areas within the same (1) cerebral hemisphere.

Commissural Fibers

White matter pathways that cross the midline to connect and coordinate corresponding functional regions between the two (2) cerebral hemispheres.

Projection Fibers

Axonal bundles that travel vertically to connect the cerebral cortex with lower brain structures, the brainstem, and the spinal cord.

Cerebrum

The largest portion of the brain, divided into two (2) hemispheres, which manages higher-order functions such as cognition, sensory perception, and voluntary motor control.

Frontal Lobe

The anterior portion of the cerebral cortex involved in complex executive functions, decision-making, emotional regulation, and the planning of voluntary movements.

Parietal Lobe

The region located posterior to the frontal lobe that processes somatosensory information, including touch, temperature, pressure, and spatial awareness.

Temporal Lobe

Located below the lateral fissure, this lobe is central to auditory processing, memory storage, and language comprehension.

Occipital Lobe

The most posterior part of the brain, containing the primary visual cortex dedicated to interpreting and processing visual information.

Gyri

The raised ridges or folds on the surface of the cerebral cortex that serve to increase surface area, maximizing the number of neurons available for processing.

Sulci

The shallow grooves or indentations between the gyri that act as structural landmarks for dividing the brain into distinct functional lobes.

Homunculus

A systematic map of the body's sensory or motor representation in the brain, where the size of each part corresponds to the amount of cortex dedicated to its function.

Anterior (Rostral)

A directional term referring to the front or head end of the body and brain.

Posterior (Caudal)

A directional term referring to the back or tail end of the body and brain.

Anterior Commissure

A localized white matter tract connecting the two (2) temporal lobes, facilitating communication between the limbic systems and olfactory pathways.

Posterior Commissure

A white matter pathway crossing the midline at the top of the midbrain, essential for coordinating the bilateral pupillary light reflex.

Corpus Callosum

The largest commissural tract in the brain, consisting of millions of fibers that bridge the left and right hemispheres for integrated function.

Internal Capsule

A significant white matter pathway containing both sensory and motor projection fibers that pass between the thalamus and basal ganglia.

Fiber Tracts

Unified bundles of axons in the Central Nervous System that share a specific origin and destination, forming the major pathways for neural signaling.

Cerebral Cortex

The thin, outer layer of gray matter covering the cerebrum, responsible for complex cognitive processes and divided into sensory, motor, and association areas.

Precentral Gyrus

A prominent ridge in the frontal lobe just anterior to the central sulcus that houses the primary motor cortex for voluntary muscle activation.

Postcentral Gyrus

A prominent ridge in the parietal lobe just posterior to the central sulcus that contains the primary somatosensory cortex for tactile perception.

Superior Temporal Gyrus

The uppermost fold of the temporal lobe, primarily involved in primary auditory perception and the processing of spoken language.

Longitudinal Fissure

A deep, continuous midline groove that separates the brain into distinct left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Central Sulcus

A major anatomical groove that provides a clear boundary between the motor-focused frontal lobe and the sensory-focused parietal lobe.

Lateral Fissure (Sylvian Fissure)

A deep horizontal groove that separates the temporal lobe inferiorly from the frontal and parietal lobes superiorly.

Parieto-occipital Sulcus

A deep cleft on the medial surface of the brain that marks the anatomical division between the parietal lobe and the occipital lobe.

Calcarine Sulcus

A horizontal groove located on the medial aspect of the occipital lobe that defines the location of the primary visual cortex (V1).