The Brain and CNS – Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering major brain structures, their functions, and CSF/meninges terminology from the lecture notes.

Brain

The organ that processes external information, governs thoughts, memory, speech, movement, and autonomic functions.

Cerebrum

Largest brain region with two hemispheres; responsible for higher brain functions and includes the cerebral cortex.

Corpus callosum

Thick bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, enabling interhemispheric communication.

Frontal lobe

Lobe responsible for motor function and speech; contains areas for memory, judgment, and emotions.

Parietal lobe

Lobe responsible for conscious somatosensory perception (touch, pain, temperature, etc.).

Temporal lobe

Lobe responsible for hearing, language, and olfaction; contains Wernicke’s area.

Occipital lobe

Lobe responsible for vision.

Broca's area

Region in the frontal lobe involved in speech production, breathing patterns, and articulation.

Wernicke's area

Region in the superior temporal lobe involved in language comprehension.

Cerebral cortex

The gray outer layer of the cerebrum; site of many higher brain functions; “cortex” means outer layer.

Pineal gland

Endocrine gland that regulates sleep–wake cycles (circadian rhythm).

Pituitary gland

Major endocrine gland that controls many hormones; often called the master gland.

Hypothalamus

Endocrine center that regulates body temperature, thirst, hunger, autonomic functions, and emotions/memory.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory signals to the cortex; involved in alertness/arousal and motor information transfer.

Diencephalon

Brain region that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem that processes visual and auditory data and helps maintain consciousness; involved in reflexive responses.

Pons

Brainstem structure that relays sensory information, links cerebellum with brainstem/cerebrum/spinal cord, and contains respiratory centers.

Medulla oblongata

Lower brainstem; autonomic centers for cardiovascular and respiratory control; relays sensory and motor information.

Cerebellum

“Little brain” that coordinates movement and balance; relies on proprioception and motor learning; contains arbor vitae.

Limbic system

Emotion and memory network; includes hippocampus and amygdala and links cortex with brainstem.

Hippocampus

Structure essential for memory formation and retrieval.

Amygdala

Structure involved in emotion processing and responses; important for fear and memory linking.

Dura mater

Tough outer meningeal layer of the brain; part of the protective coverings (meninges).

Arachnoid mater

Middle, web-like meningeal layer separating dura and pia mater.

Pia mater

Delicate inner meningeal layer that closely adheres to the brain surface.

CSF (cerebrospinal fluid)

Clear fluid that cushions the brain/spinal cord, provides buoyancy and a stable chemical environment; produced by choroid plexuses and turned over several times daily.

Choroid plexus

Network of capillaries and ependymal cells that produces CSF within the ventricles.

Third ventricle

Midline ventricle between the thalami; part of the ventricular system circulating CSF.

Internal carotid arteries

Arterial vessels that supply the brain with oxygenated blood from the neck.

Vertebral arteries

Arterial vessels that supply the brain (via the basilar artery) from the spine; part of the posterior circulation.