Lecture 9 - The Central Nervous System

Flashcards covering key concepts and functions of the central nervous system, including its structure, brain regions, and their roles.

What are the two main components of the central nervous system?

The brain and the spinal cord.

What is the function of the thalamus?

It processes and relays sensory information.

What major lobe of the brain is responsible for processing visual information?

The occipital lobe.

What part of the brain is responsible for coordinating gait and maintaining posture?

The cerebellum.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the nervous system?

It is the major control center of the autonomic motor system and helps regulate homeostasis.

What does decussation refer to in the central nervous system?

The crossing over of sensory and motor pathways from one side of the CNS to the other.

What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?

Maintaining homeostasis without conscious control.

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

What is cerebellar ataxia a result of?

Damage to the cerebellum resulting in loss of control of fine movements and posture.

What are dermatomes?

Regions of skin that are innervated by specific spinal nerves.

What major function does the frontal lobe serve?

It is involved in higher executive functions, including emotional regulation, planning, reasoning, and problem solving.

What connects the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex?

The corpus callosum.