BIO gross anatomy

Meninges

Protective layer of the CNS with three layers and cerebral spinal fluid between them.

Meningitis

An acute inflammation of the meninges characterized by high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and other serious symptoms.

Gray matter

Contains cell bodies and some short unmyelinated axons in the CNS.

White matter

Composed of myelinated axons and is white and greasy in appearance.

Ventricles

Spaces filled with cerebral spinal fluid that cushion and protect the CNS.

Spinal cord

Extends from the brain stem to the lumbar region; contains a central canal filled with cerebral spinal fluid.

Primary Function of the Spinal Cord

Helps the brain and nerves communicate.

Cerebrum

The main organ of the nervous system, consisting of folded gray matter and two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum.

Gyrus

A hill-like structure in the brain.

Sulcus

A groove-like structure in the brain.

Frontal Lobe

Contains the primary motor area (precentral gyrus) and Broca’s area for speech production.

Parietal Lobe

Primary sensory area (postcentral gyrus) responsible for processing pain and movement.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for vision.

Temporal Lobe

Contains the auditory area (Wernicke’s area) for hearing.

Brain Waves

Electrical activity of the brain categorized into different types based on state and activity.

Alpha Waves

Brain waves present when a person is awake but has their eyes closed.

Beta Waves

Brain waves seen when a person is awake and actively looking at something.

Theta Waves

Brain waves seen in newborns (while awake) and sleeping adults; faster in awake newborns and stressed adults.

Delta Waves

The slowest brain wave cycle, seen during adult sleep and indicating possible brain damage if present in awake adults.

Genetics of Sleep Behavior

Sleeping behavior is considered to be more genetic than environmental.

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep

Known as 'dream sleep,' characterized by increased heart rate, metabolism, neuron activity, and typically lasts for 90 minutes.

Non-REM Sleep

Characterized by decreased heart rate, metabolism, and neuron activity, encompassing all sleep stages that are not REM.

Limbic System

A functional grouping of the brain involved in emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and the sense of smell.

Short-term Memory (Working Memory)

Involves the amount of neurotransmitters released and utilizes preexisting neurons and synapses.

Long-term Memory

Involves permanent structural and functional changes in the brain with the establishment of new synapses.