Anatomy and Physiology: Nervous System and Special Senses Study Guide

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the nervous system and special senses.

Rostral

Toward the anterior/front of the brain.

Caudal

Toward the posterior/back of the brain.

Dorsal

Toward the top/superior aspect of the brain.

Ventral

Toward the bottom/inferior aspect of the brain.

Cranial Meninges

Three layers of protective coverings for the brain: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Falx cerebri

A dural septum that separates the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord; produced by the choroid plexus.

Frontal Lobe

Lobe responsible for motor control, voluntary movement, speech production, personality, and emotional expression.

Parietal Lobe

Lobe responsible for general sensory processing and spatial awareness.

Occipital Lobe

Lobe responsible for vision processing.

Insula

Hidden lobe of the brain not visible on the surface.

Thalamus

Main sensory relay center that filters sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Region that controls the endocrine system and regulates homeostasis.

Amygdaloid body

Part of the cerebral nuclei involved in emotional regulation.

Olfactory epithelium

Tissue that contains receptor cells for smell, including olfactory receptor cells.

Phototransduction

Process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the retina.

Equilibrium

Balance mechanism regulated by the inner ear structures.

Aqueous humor

Watery fluid in the eye found in the anterior and posterior chambers.

Cochlea

Inner ear structure responsible for hearing.

Reflex arc

The pathway followed by nerve impulses during a reflex action.

Sensory receptors

Specialized cells that detect changes in the environment.

Visuospatial skills

Abilities related to understanding spatial relations and visualizing stimuli.