Central Nervous System

Practice flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to the central nervous system.

Pyramidal Cells

Upper motor neurons located in the primary motor cortex.

Cerebral Peduncle

Part of the midbrain that contains motor tracts and influences movement.

Decussation of Pyramids

The crossing over of motor fibers in the medulla, leading to contralateral control of the body.

Pyramidal Pathways

Direct pathways that control skilled voluntary movements.

Rubrospinal Tract

An indirect pathway that helps regulate muscle tone.

Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscal Pathways

Ascending pathways responsible for discriminative touch and proprioception.

Spinothalamic Pathways

Ascending pathways responsible for pain and temperature sensations.

Lateral Corticospinal Tract

A direct motor pathway from the motor cortex to the spinal cord, influencing voluntary movement.

Meningocele

A condition where the meninges protrude through a defect in the spine.

Myelomeningocele

A more severe form of spina bifida where both meninges and spinal cord protrude.

Cerebral Palsy

A neuromuscular disorder resulting from brain damage, leading to movement and coordination issues.

Neural Tube

Structure formed from the invagination of the neural plate during embryonic development.

Alar Plate

Neuroblast region becoming interneurons in the developing spinal cord.

Basal Plate

Neuroblast region developing into motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Spina Bifida

A congenital defect caused by incomplete formation of the vertebral arches.

Folic Acid

A vitamin essential for neural tube development, reducing the risk of defects.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and other homeostatic functions.