Coordination and Control: The Brain and Spinal Cord

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the structural and functional components of the human brain and spinal cord based on the lecture notes.

Cerebral cortex

The outer region of the brain that forms folds called convolutions, which increase surface area, and is responsible for processing sensory information, memory, voluntary movements, and thinking.

Convolutions

Folds in the cerebral cortex that greatly increase its surface area.

Primary sensory areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex where signals from sensory organs like eyes and ears are received and converted into subjective impressions such as light and sound.

Association areas

Areas in the cerebral cortex located near primary sensory areas that interpret sensory information.

Midbrain

A reduced part of the human brain containing an auditory relay centre, a centre for reflex movements of the eyes, and the reticular formation.

Reticular formation

A relay centre within the midbrain connecting the hindbrain with the forebrain, responsible for screening input information before it reaches higher brain centres.

Hindbrain

The part of the brain that includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

Medulla

A part of the hindbrain that controls several automatic functions, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and swallowing.

Pons

Neurons located above the medulla that appear to influence transitions between sleep and wakefulness, as well as the rate and pattern of breathing.

Cerebellum

A hindbrain structure that coordinates movements, guides smooth and accurate motions, maintains body position, and is involved in learning and memory storage for behaviours.

Spinal Cord

An oval-shaped hollow cylinder narrowing down from the medulla oblongata and running through the vertebral column, serving as a centre for reflexes and a pathway for impulses.

Grey matter

The inner butterfly-shaped portion of the spinal cord consisting of cell bodies and non-myelinated nerve fibres or tracts.

White matter

The outer portion of the spinal cord composed of myelinated nerve fibres or tracts.

Central canal

A hollow feature located within the inner grey matter of the spinal cord.