Central Nervous System (CNS) Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts of the Central Nervous System, including its structures, functions, and protective mechanisms.

What are the 7 major structures of the Central Nervous System?

Cerebrum, diencephalon, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, spinal cord.

What is gray matter composed of?

Short nonmyelinated axons, dendrites, and neuron cell bodies.

What is the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

It regulates the movement of molecules into the brain and protects it from harmful substances.

What are the three layers of meninges?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

What is the primary role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

To provide buoyancy, reduce weight, protect the CNS from trauma, nourish the brain, and carry chemical signals.

Where is the primary motor cortex located?

In the precentral gyrus.

What is the function of the thalamus?

To relay sensory and motor information and filter unnecessary input.

Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating emotions like fear and rage?

The amygdala.

What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

To assist with posture, balance, and the coordination of skeletal muscle movements.

What are the key differences between REM and non-REM sleep?

Non-REM sleep has slower brain activity with minimal dreaming, while REM sleep has increased heart rate and vivid dreaming.

What are the characteristics of the motor homunculus?

Larger body parts on the map indicate more motor neurons and more detailed motor control.

What is the role of Broca's area?

It turns thoughts into speech and sends directions to the primary motor cortex for speech production.

What is the significance of the sensory homunculus?

It represents the area of the brain dedicated to processing sensory input from different parts of the body.

What are the three major parts of the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

What is the function of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

To control consciousness and keep the cerebral cortex alert.