The Brain and Cranial Nerves

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the brain and cranial nerves.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all nerves outside the CNS.

Somatic Division

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Division

The part of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in higher level brain functions such as thought and action.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain associated with emotions, memory, and behavior.

Medulla Oblongata

A part of the brain stem that regulates vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that regulates coordination and balance.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nutrients.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and control various functions of the head and neck.

Neocortex

The part of the cerebral cortex involved in higher-order brain functions including sensory perception, cognition, and motor commands.

Decussation of Pyramids

The crossing over of motor fibers in the medulla oblongata, which allows the left hemisphere of the brain to control the right side of the body.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that controls various homeostatic functions including temperature, thirst, and hunger.

Pyramidal Tracts

Major motor pathways in the brain that are involved in the control of voluntary movement.

Frontal Lobe

The region of the cerebral cortex associated with reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

Occupital Lobe

The region of the cerebral cortex responsible for visual processing.

Gyrus

A ridge on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Sulcus

A groove in the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Broca's Area

The region in the frontal lobe involved in speech production.

Wernicke's Area

The region in the temporal lobe involved in language comprehension.