Central Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Myelinated Neurons

Form the white matter in the inner region of some areas of the brain and the outer area of the spinal cord.

Grey Matter

Formed by unmyelinated neurons around the outer areas of the brain and forms the H-spaced core of the spinal cord; damage is usually permanent.

Cerebral Cortex

The thin outer covering of grey matter on each hemisphere of the cerebrum.

Cerebellum

The walnut-shaped structure in the hindbrain involved in unconscious coordination of posture, reflexes, body movement, and fine voluntary motor skills.

Medulla Oblongata

Connects the brain and spinal cord; coordinates many reflexes and automatic bodily functions that maintain homeostasis.

Pons

Mass of fibers in the brainstem that acts as a relay center between the right and left halves of the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Midbrain

Located above the pons; involved in processing information from sensory neurons in the eyes, ears, and nose.

Thalamus

The 'great relay station' that sits at the base of the forebrain; provides connections between the forebrain and hindbrain, relaying sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Lies just below the thalamus; regulates the body's internal environment and connects the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, divided into right and left hemispheres, involved in intellect, learning, memory, consciousness, and language.

Corpus Callosum

Structure that allows communication between the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Frontal Lobe

Integrates information from other brain parts, controlling reasoning, critical thinking, memory, personality, and fine motor skills.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information from the skin and body position; includes the Primary Somatosensory Area.

Occipital Lobe

Receives and analyzes visual information necessary for recognition.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is important for understanding speech and retrieving memories.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Separates blood from the CNS and selectively controls the entrance of substances into the brain from the blood.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Clear fluid that bathes the brain, acts as a shock absorber, and carries hormones and nutrients.

Meninges

Three layers of tough, elastic tissue that protect the brain.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt by forming new connections or reassigning functions.