Central Nervous System Vocabulary Flashcards

A series of 25 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the Central Nervous System.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

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

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres, responsible for higher functions.

Cerebellum

The second largest part of the brain, involved in the coordination of voluntary movements.

Diencephalon

A brain region surrounded by the cerebrum that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, including the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe of the brain responsible for motor control, decision making, and speech production.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe of the brain involved in sensory perception and spatial awareness.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe of the brain dedicated to visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe of the brain associated with hearing, language comprehension, and memory.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum, involved in complex functions like thought and action.

White Matter

Parts of the brain and spinal cord that are made up of myelinated axons.

Grey Matter

Regions of the CNS that contain neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Thalamus

A relay station for sensory information going to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure that links the nervous system to the endocrine system and regulates homeostasis.

Brain Ventricles

Cavities within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Medulla Oblongata

The part of the brainstem that regulates vital functions such as heart rate and respiration.

Pons

A part of the brainstem that helps control breathing and relays information about movement.

Epidural Space

The space surrounding the spinal cord that contains fat and blood vessels.

Decussation Point

The point in the medulla where 90% of axons cross from one side of the body to the other.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, which contains the web-like space filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges.

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that covers the brain's surface.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells in the brain that support and protect neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selectively permeable barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The two halves of the cerebrum, responsible for different functions and processing information.