Terms Referring to Parts of the Nervous System

Lamina

A row or layer of cell bodies separated from other cell bodies by a layer of axons and dendrites.

Column

A set of cells perpendicular to the surface of the cortex, with similar properties.

Tract

A set of axons within the CNA, also known as a *projection*.

Nerve

A set of axons in the periphery, either from the CNS to a muscle or gland or from a sensory organ to the CNS.

Nucleus

A cluster of neuron cell bodies within the CNS

Ganglion

A cluster of neuron cell bodies, usually outside the CNS (as in the sympathetic nervous system)

Gyrus (plural: gyri)

A protuberance on the surface of the brain

Sulcus (plural: sulci)

A fold or groove that separates one gyrus from another

Fissure

A long, deep sulcus

Protuberance

Something that protrudes (sticks out) from something else