Nervous System Fundamentals

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to the anatomy and function of the human nervous system based on the lecture notes.

Neuron

Structural and functional unit of the nervous system; transmits information.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Formed by the encephalon and the spinal cord; processes information.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Set of nerves that connect the CNS with the rest of the body.

Encephalon

Part of the nervous system inside the skull; includes the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the encephalon; controls thought, memory, language, and voluntary movements.

Cerebellum

Controls balance, posture, and coordination.

Brainstem

Regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate; connects with the spinal cord.

Spinal cord

Transmits signals between the brain and the body; it is located inside the vertebral column.

Vertebral column

Bony structure that protects the spinal cord.

Nerves

Fibers that transmit signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic nervous system

Controls involuntary functions such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate.

Involuntary

Automatic actions of the body that are not consciously controlled.

Frontal lobe

Part of the brain responsible for reasoning and thought.

Parietal lobe

Part of the brain that processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Temporal lobe

Part of the brain that processes auditory information.

Occipital lobe

Part of the brain that processes visual information.

Right hemisphere

The side of the brain that controls the left side of the body.

Left hemisphere

The side of the brain that controls the right side of the body.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that emerge from the encephalon ($12$ pairs).

Spinal nerves

Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord ($31$ pairs).

Neurological exam

An evaluation of the nervous system including reflexes, coordination, and mental state.