TEAS Nervous

Central nervous system

The primary control center of the body comprising the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating responses.

Peripheral nervous system

The network of nerves and ganglia outside the central nervous system that connects it to the rest of the body.

Medulla oblongata

The lower part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Pons

A structure in the brainstem that links the medulla to the cerebellum and helps regulate sleep, respiration, and facial movements.

Cerebellum

The region of the brain located behind the brainstem that coordinates voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning.

Brainstem

The stalk-like lower part of the brain consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, regulating essential survival functions.

Midbrain

A portion of the brainstem that plays an important role in motor movement (specifically eye movement) and auditory/visual processing.

Forebrain

The largest and most complex region of the brain, including the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Cerebrum

The large upper part of the brain divided into two hemispheres, controlling sensory processing, voluntary motor activity, and higher thought.

Left hemisphere

The left half of the cerebrum, typically specialized for logic, language, analytical thinking, and math.

Right hemisphere

The right half of the cerebrum, typically specialized for creativity, spatial awareness, artistic ability, and facial recognition.

Grey matter

Regions of the central nervous system composed primarily of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.

White matter

Regions of the central nervous system consisting mostly of myelinated axons that connect different areas of grey matter.

Cell body

The central core of a neuron containing the nucleus and organelles, responsible for metabolic maintenance and protein synthesis.

Axon

A long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body toward other cells.

Myelin sheath

A fatty insulating layer wrapped around axons that significantly increases the speed of nerve impulse propagation.

Axon terminal

The dilated distal end of an axon where neurotransmitters are stored and released into a synapse.

Synapse

The specialized junction or gap between a neuron and another cell where chemical or electrical signals are transmitted.

Dendrites

Branching cytoplasmic extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and convey them toward the cell body.

Neuron

The fundamental excitable cell of the nervous system specialized for transmitting electrical and chemical signals.

Nodes of Ranvier

Periodic gaps in the myelin sheath along an axon where action potentials are regenerated during saltatory conduction.

Action potential

A rapid, temporary change in a neuron's membrane potential that travels down an axon to transmit a nerve signal.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the central nervous system that form myelin sheaths around multiple axons.

Schwann cells

Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that wrap around axons to form myelin sheaths.

Glial cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide structural support, insulation, nourishment, and protection for neurons.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped central nervous system glial cells that support neurons, regulate extracellular ions, and help form the blood-brain barrier.

Ependymal

Ciliated glial cells that line the brain ventricles and spinal canal, producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid.

Satellite cells

Glial cells that surround neuron cell bodies in peripheral ganglia, providing physical and chemical support.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released by neurons at synapses to transmit signals to target cells.

Cerebrospinal fluid

A clear, colorless fluid produced in the brain ventricles that cushions the central nervous system and supplies nutrients.

Limbic system

A complex network of brain structures (including the amygdala and hippocampus) that regulate emotions, memory, and basic drives.

Frontal lobe

The anterior lobe of the cerebrum responsible for executive functions, decision-making, reasoning, and voluntary motor control.

Parietal lobe

The upper-middle lobe of the cerebrum that processes somatic sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Occipital lobe

The posterior lobe of the cerebrum dedicated primarily to processing visual information.

Temporal lobe

The lower lobe of the cerebrum involved in hearing, language comprehension, and memory storage.

Pre-frontal cortex

The front part of the frontal lobe responsible for complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, and social moderation.

Somatic

The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and transmits sensory information.

Autonomic

The division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological processes like heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations (fight-or-flight).

Parasympathetic

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and conserves energy during resting states (rest-and-digest).

Afferent neurons

Sensory neurons that transmit electrical impulses from peripheral receptors toward the central nervous system.

Efferent neurons

Motor neurons that transmit electrical impulses away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Reflex arc

A fast, involuntary neural pathway consisting of a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector.

Interneuron

A neuron located entirely within the central nervous system that connects sensory and motor pathways.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to motor nerve signals to produce a physiological action.

Meninges

The three protective membranous layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Pia mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that clings tightly to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid mater

The web-like middle layer of the meninges containing the subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Dura mater

The tough, thick, outermost layer of the meninges that protects the central nervous system.