26. Neurotransmitters
Definition: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.
27. Acetylcholine
Definition: A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and various neural functions.
28. Cholinesterase
Definition: An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, terminating its action at the synapse.
29. Central Nervous System Structures
Gray Matter
Definition: Regions of the CNS containing neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.
30. White Matter
Definition: Regions of the CNS containing myelinated axons.
31. Meninges
Definition: Protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
32. Cerebellum
Definition: A brain region that coordinates movement and balance.
33. Medulla Oblongata
Definition: The base of the brainstem, controlling autonomic functions like heartbeat and breathing.
34. Pons
Definition: A brain structure involved in the regulation of breathing and other vital functions.
35. Midbrain
Definition: A region of the brain involved in sensory and motor functions.
36. Thalamus
Definition: A brain region that relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex.
37. Hypothalamus
Definition: A brain region regulating homeostasis and basic survival functions, including hunger, thirst, and temperature.
38. Cerebrum
Definition: The largest part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.
39. Blood-Brain Barrier
Definition: A protective barrier that restricts the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the brain.
40. Cerebrospinal Fluid
Definition: Fluid that cushions and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.
41. Cerebral Cortex
Definition: The outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for conscious thought and voluntary actions.
42. Corpus Callosum
Definition: A bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.
43. Occipital Lobes
Definition: Brain lobes responsible for visual processing.
44. Temporal Lobes
Definition: Brain lobes involved in auditory processing and memory.
45. Parietal Lobes
Definition: Brain lobes responsible for processing sensory information from the body.
46. Frontal Lobes
Definition: Brain lobes involved in motor control, decision-making, and personality.
47. Broca’s Area
Definition: A region in the left frontal lobe responsible for speech production.
48. Wernicke’s Area
Definition: A region in the left temporal lobe involved in language comprehension.
49. Autonomic Nervous System
Somatic System
Definition: The part of the PNS that controls voluntary muscle movements.
50. Autonomic System
Definition: The part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.
51. Sympathetic Nervous System
Definition: The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response.
52. Parasympathetic Nervous System
Definition: The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the "rest and digest" response.