21/01 Anatomy of the Brain and Spinal Cord

Central Nervous System

Includes brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

Connects CNS to limbs and organs.

Cerebrum

Largest brain part for sensory and motor.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance.

Brain Stem

Controls vital functions like breathing.

Spinal Cord

Connects brain to body; relays signals.

Grey Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies.

White Matter

Contains myelinated axons.

Ventricular System

Four interconnected cavities filled with CSF.

Meninges

Three protective membranes around CNS.

Dura Mater

Tough outer layer of meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

Spider web-like middle layer of meninges.

Pia Mater

Thin inner layer close to CNS.

Gyri

Ridges on the brain's surface.

Sulci

Grooves on the brain's surface.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in reasoning and movement.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in auditory processing.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Afferent Neurons

Relay sensory information to CNS.

Efferent Neurons

Carry impulses from CNS to muscles.

Interneurons

Connect neurons within the CNS.

Central Canal

Contains cerebrospinal fluid in spinal cord.

Spinal Nerves

Mixed nerves connecting CNS and PNS.

Neurites

Extensions from neuron cell body.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers between neurons.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid cushioning and protecting the brain.

Corpus Callosum

Connects left and right brain hemispheres.