Overview of the Human Nervous System

Cervical

First region of the spinal column.

Thoracic

Middle region of the spinal column.

Lumbar

Lower region of the spinal column.

Sacral

Lowest region of the spinal column.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs, including one coccygeal nerve.

Plexus

Network of intersecting nerves.

Conus Medullaris

Tapered end of the spinal cord.

Filum Terminale

Extension anchoring spinal cord to coccyx.

Reflex

Fast, predictable motor response to stimuli.

Reflex Arc

Pathway of structures involved in reflexes.

Sensory Neuron

Afferent neuron transmitting signals to CNS.

Motor Neuron

Efferent neuron transmitting signals away from CNS.

Dorsal Horns

Larger sections of gray matter in spinal cord.

Ganglion

Cluster of nerve cell bodies outside CNS.

Endoneurium

Connective tissue surrounding individual neurons.

Perineurium

Connective tissue forming nerve fascicles.

Epineurium

Connective tissue surrounding entire nerve.

Brainstem

Connects brain to spinal cord.

Medulla Oblongata

Most inferior part of the brainstem.

Pons

Relay center between cerebrum and cerebellum.

Midbrain

Posterior to pons, involved in visual reflexes.

Reticular Formation

Nuclei regulating vital functions and sleep-wake cycle.

Cerebellum

Coordinates muscle movements and balance.

Diencephalon

Includes thalamus, epithalamus, and hypothalamus.

Thalamus

Relay center for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Master control center for autonomic functions.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions.

Limbic System

Involved in emotion, motivation, and memory.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Produced by choroid plexus, fills subarachnoid space.

Blood Brain Barrier

Regulates material movement from blood to brain.

Abducens Nerve

Controls eye movement.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Involved in sense of taste.

Vagus Nerve

Extends to thoracic and abdominal organs.