Nervous System – Brain Structures, Cranial Nerves & Key Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering brain structures, cranial nerves, and related neurological concepts for exam review.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Clear fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord; cushions, removes waste, and supplies nutrients.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres, enabling communication between them.

Occipital Lobe

Primary visual processing center of the brain; plays a major role in depth perception.

Wernicke’s Area

Region in the left temporal lobe essential for language comprehension.

Cerebellum

Brain structure responsible for coordination and balance; connected to—but not part of—the brainstem.

Thalamus

Relay station that transmits sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Optic Chiasm

Point where optic nerves partially cross, allowing visual field coordination and contributing to depth perception.

Stroke

Permanent brain damage caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain producing stroke-like symptoms without permanent damage.

Cranial Nerve I – Olfactory

Conveys the sense of smell.

Cranial Nerve II – Optic

Carries visual information from the retina to the brain.

Cranial Nerve III – Oculomotor

Controls most eye movements and pupil constriction; damage can cause a “lazy eye.”

Cranial Nerve IV – Trochlear

Innervates the superior oblique muscle to move the eye downward and laterally.

Cranial Nerve V – Trigeminal

Provides facial sensation and controls chewing muscles.

Cranial Nerve VI – Abducens

Controls lateral rectus muscle for outward eye movement.

Cranial Nerve VII – Facial

Governs facial expression and taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Cranial Nerve VIII – Vestibulocochlear

Responsible for hearing and balance.

Cranial Nerve IX – Glossopharyngeal

Supplies taste to the posterior one-third of the tongue and assists in swallowing.

Cranial Nerve X – Vagus

Provides parasympathetic control to thoracic and abdominal organs.

Cranial Nerve XI – Accessory

Controls sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles for head and shoulder movement.

Cranial Nerve XII – Hypoglossal

Controls tongue movement.

“Lazy Eye” Nerve

Common term for dysfunction of Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor), affecting eye alignment.

Subarachnoid Space

Gap between the arachnoid and pia mater where cerebrospinal fluid circulates (appears as a white fluid layer).