Central Nervous System and Meninges Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the central nervous system, brain anatomy, and the meninges, as discussed in the lecture.

Spinal Cord

A cylindrical structure in the vertebral column that connects the brain and peripheral nervous system.

Medulla Oblongata

The part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions and connects the brain to the spinal cord.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus, involved in regulating sleep and breathing.

Cerebellum

The region of the brain that coordinates movement and balance.

Proprioception

The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that carry messages to and from the brain, primarily responsible for motor and sensory functions of the head and neck.

Ventricles

Cavitations in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); involved in the circulation of fluid.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and buoyancy.

Meninges

Three layers of protective tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges; a tough and durable membrane protecting the brain.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges; web-like and cushioning for the central nervous system.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges; delicate and surrounds the brain closely.

Hydrocephalus

A condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the ventricles of the brain.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often due to infection.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, often caused by viral infection.

Decussation

The crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the brain or spinal cord to the other.

Thalamus

A structure within the brain that relays sensory information and acts as a center for pain perception.

Cerebellar Peduncles

Bundles of fibers that connect the cerebellum to the brainstem.

Ataxia

Loss of full control of bodily movements, leading to awkward movements or stumbling.

Intentional Tremor

A tremor that occurs during voluntary movement, indicating cerebellar dysfunction.

Arbor Vitae

Tree-like structure of white matter within the cerebellum, involved in transmitting information.

Inferior Olivary Nucleus

A nucleus in the medulla oblongata responsible for relaying proprioceptive information.

Vasomotor Center

Region in the medulla that regulates blood vessel diameter and blood pressure.

Cardiac Center

Nucleus in the medulla that regulates heart rate.

Dorsal Respiratory Group

A cluster of neurons in the medulla that control involuntary breathing.

Ventral Respiratory Group

A group of neurons in the medulla that modulate respiration.

Pyramids of Medulla

Conical structures in the medulla where motor fibers cross to the opposite side.

Cuneatus Nucleus

Nucleus in the medulla that processes sensory information from the upper body.

Gracilis Nucleus

Nucleus in the medulla that processes sensory information from the lower body.

Vermis

The narrow central area of the cerebellum responsible for posture and balance.

Folia

The folds on the surface of the cerebellum that increase its surface area.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerves to improve signal transmission.

Neural Plasticity

The ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Cranial Dural Septa

Partitions of dura mater that separate different parts of the brain.

Sagittal Sinus

A large venous channel located between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Epidural Hematoma

A collection of blood between the skull and the outer layer of the dura mater.

Subdural Hematoma

A collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid mater.

Arachnoid Villi

Projections of the arachnoid mater that absorb cerebrospinal fluid into the bloodstream.

Choroid Plexus

A network of ependymal cells in the ventricles that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Septum Pellucidum

The thin membrane that separates the lateral ventricles in the brain.

Ependymal Cells

Cells that line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid.

Visceral Control

Control of involuntary bodily functions managed by the brainstem.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for complex brain functions, such as thought and action.

Inferior Cerebellar Peduncles

Fiber tracts connecting the cerebellum to the medulla oblongata.

Motor Pathways

Neural pathways that send signals from the brain to muscles to produce movement.

Sensory Pathways

Neural pathways that transmit sensory information to the brain.

Telencephalon

The largest part of the brain consisting of the cerebral hemispheres.

Diencephalon

Part of the brain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory and regulatory functions.