Introduction to the Nervous System

A set of vocabulary flashcards designed for reviewing key terms and concepts from the introductory lectures on the nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the CNS, including spinal and cranial nerves.

Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system.

Nucleus (in nervous tissue)

A cluster of nerve cell bodies located within the white matter of the central nervous system.

Gray Matter

Nervous tissue primarily composed of nerve cell bodies, non-myelinated fibers, and glial cells.

White Matter

Nervous tissue primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers.

Ventricles

Cavities within the central nervous system that contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that circulates in the ventricles of the brain and around the spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrient flow.

Somatic Sensory System

Part of the PNS that deals with sensory information from skin, muscles, and joints.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Proprioception

The sense that provides awareness of body position and movement, primarily from muscles and joints.

Telencephalon

The anterior part of the prosencephalon that develops into the cerebral hemispheres.

Diencephalon

The part of the forebrain situated between the telencephalon and the mesencephalon, forming the central region of the brain.

Mesencephalon

The midbrain, part of the brainstem, that does not differentiate into further subdivisions.

Metencephalon

The part of the rhombencephalon that develops into the pons and cerebellum.

Myelencephalon

The part of the rhombencephalon that develops into the medulla oblongata.

Cervical Enlargement

An enlarged region of the spinal cord to accommodate nerves supplying the upper limbs.

Lumbar Enlargement

An enlarged region of the spinal cord to accommodate nerves supplying the lower limbs.

Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord, which terminates at the level of L1-L2 vertebrae.

Spinal Cord

A cylindrical structure extending from the brainstem to the lower back, encased in the vertebral column.