The Central Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the central nervous system, essential for understanding anatomy and physiology.

Cerebrum

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

Cerebellum

A part of the brain located at the back which is responsible for coordination of voluntary movements and balance.

Brainstem

The posterior part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord, that controls automatic functions necessary for survival.

Gray Matter

Areas of the brain and spinal cord containing the cell bodies of neurons; it is involved in processing and regulating information.

White Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord composed mainly of myelinated axons which facilitate communication between different brain regions.

Meninges

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

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing buoyancy and protection.

Thalamus

The brain structure that acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling several homeostatic functions, including temperature regulation, hunger, and the endocrine system.

Spinal Cord

The part of the central nervous system enclosed in the vertebral column that connects the brain with the body; it mediates reflexes and transmits signals.

Somatosensory Cortex

Part of the brain which receives and interprets sensory perceptions from the body, particularly related to touch.

Broca’s Area

Region of the frontal lobe associated with the production of speech.

Wernicke's Area

Region of the brain crucial for language comprehension, located in the temporal lobe.

Cortical Lateralization

The specialization of functions in the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled cavities in the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, providing a tough protective covering.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, featuring a web-like structure, containing blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, which is thin and delicate, closely adheres to the surface of the brain.

Limbic System

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain that deal with instinct and mood, and drives emotions and memories.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons located in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and arousal.

Cortex

The outermost layer of the cerebrum, involved in higher brain functions like thought and action.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The two halves of the cerebrum, involved in processing sensory and motor information.

Insula Lobe

A lobe of the brain involved in emotion, perception, and self-awareness.

Corticospinal Tract

A major neural pathway that originates in the cerebral cortex and controls voluntary motor activity.

Premotor Area

A region of the frontal lobe involved in the planning of movements.

Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord, located around the L1-L2 vertebral level.

Filum Terminale

A fibrous extension of the conus medullaris anchoring the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Cauda Equina

A collection of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.