The Central Nervous System

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the central nervous system, its components, functions, and organization as per the lecture notes.

What are the main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord.

What are the main functions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Communication lines between the CNS and the rest of the body.

What distinguishes the sensory (afferent) division from the motor (efferent) division in the nervous system?

The sensory division conducts impulses to the CNS from receptors, while the motor division conducts impulses from the CNS to effectors.

What is the role of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Mobilizes body systems during emergency situations.

Which part of the brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking and memory?

The cerebrum.

What are gyri and sulci?

Gyri are elevated ridges/folds of brain tissue, while sulci are shallow grooves between them.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Describe the major functions of the cerebral cortex.

Interpreting sensory information, planning and control of voluntary movements, and higher functions such as language and memory.

What are the five lobes of the brain?

Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula.

What separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe?

The central sulcus.

What is the primary role of the thalamus?

It relays all sensory information (except olfactory) to the cerebral cortex.

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

Controls major endocrine and autonomic functions, and regulates homeostasis.

What are the three types of functional areas in the cerebral cortex?

Primary motor cortex, primary sensory cortices, and association areas.

Explain the role of basal nuclei.

They inhibit involuntary movements and initiate voluntary movements.

How does cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulate through the brain?

From lateral ventricles to the third ventricle, through the cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle, then to the central canal and subarachnoid space.

What are the meninges?

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) surrounding the brain.

Define decussation in the context of the CNS.

The crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the CNS to the other.

What is the central sulcus?

A prominent fissure that separates the frontal and parietal lobes.

What is the role of upper and lower motor neurons in voluntary movement?

Upper motor neurons facilitate the planning and execution of voluntary movement, while lower motor neurons execute those commands at the skeletal muscles.