Central Nervous System Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and essential concepts related to the central nervous system, its structure, and functions.

Localization of Function

The physiological concept that certain structures in the nervous system are responsible for specific functions.

White Matter Tractography

A 3D visualization technique that maps brain white matter pathways by tracking water diffusion, allowing analysis of neural connectivity.

Gyri

The elevated ridges or folds in the brain, created from the folding of the sulci.

Sulci

Shallow grooves in the brain that separate the gyri.

Fissures

Deep furrows in the brain that separate the lobes.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid in the cranial and vertebral cavities that provides mechanical protection and nutrient support to the brain and spinal cord.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective permeable barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Meninges

Connective tissue layers that support the brain and spinal cord, encompassing the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Choroid Plexus

Structures in the brain ventricles that produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Limbic System

A set of brain structures that deal with emotions and memory, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, including a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, integrating center, motor neuron, and effector.

Broca's Area

The region of the brain responsible for speech production and language processing.

Wernicke's Area

The region of the brain that is important for language comprehension.

Hydrocephalus

A condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. this is where you get an epideral when giving birth

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that is closely adhered to the brain surface. where you would get a spinal tap for testing 

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, which contains cerebrospinal fluid and is situated between the dura mater and pia mater.

Primary Motor Cortex

The region of the brain that controls voluntary motor movements.

Thalamus

A brain structure that serves as a relay center for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that regulates various autonomic functions and forms a connection between the nervous and endocrine systems.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining posture and balance.

Pons

The brainstem structure that connects different parts of the brain and plays a role in regulating vital functions.

Medulla Oblongata

The lower part of the brainstem that controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Epidural Space

The space outside the dura mater that contains blood vessels and fat.

Subarachnoid Space

The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Anterior Horn

The part of the spinal cord's gray matter that contains the cell bodies of somatic motor neurons.

Posterior Horn

The part of the spinal cord's gray matter that contains sensory neurons.

Decussation of the Pyramids

The crossing over of motor fibers from one side of the central nervous system to the other.