Nervous System

Nervous System

• Hemispheres:

  • The two halves of the brain, divided into left and right.

• Lobes:

  • Distinct sections of the cerebral cortex, each associated with specific functions.

• Frontal:

  • Pertaining to the frontal lobe of the brain, responsible for executive functions, motor control, and personality.

• Occipital:

  • Pertaining to the occipital lobe of the brain, primarily responsible for visual processing.

• Parietal:

  • Pertaining to the parietal lobe of the brain, involved in sensory processing and spatial awareness.

• Temporal:

  • Pertaining to the temporal lobe of the brain, responsible for auditory processing and memory.

• Cerebrum:

  • The largest part of the brain, divided into hemispheres, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

• Cerebellum:

  • The region of the brain responsible for motor coordination, balance, and posture.

• Brain Stem:

  • The lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord, regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

• Foramen Magnum:

  • The opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

• Meninges:

  • The three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

    • Dura Mater: Outermost layer.

    • Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer.

    • Pia Mater: Innermost layer.

• Meningitis:

  • Inflammation of the meninges, often caused by infection.

• Epidural:

  • Outside the dura mater; typically refers to the space between the dura mater and the skull.

• Spinal Tap:

  • A procedure involving the extraction of cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal for diagnostic purposes.

• Neuron:

  • The basic functional unit of the nervous system, transmitting signals.

• Axon:

  • The elongated projection of a neuron, conducting electrical impulses away from the cell body.

• Dendrite:

  • The branched projection of a neuron, receiving signals from other neurons.

• Myelin Sheath:

  • A fatty layer covering the axon, facilitating faster transmission of nerve impulses.

• Synapse:

  • The junction between two neurons, allowing the transmission of signals.

• Corpus Callosum:

  • The bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

• Gyri:

  • The ridges or bumps on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

• Sulci:

  • The grooves or furrows on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):

  • A clear, colorless fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

• Inferior and Superior Colliculi:

  • Inferior Colliculi: Involved in auditory processing.

  • Superior Colliculi: Involved in visual processing.

• Pineal Body:

  • A small gland in the brain that produces melatonin, influencing the sleep-wake cycle.

• Melatonin:

  • A hormone produced by the pineal gland, regulating sleep and wakefulness.

• Medulla Oblongata & Pons:

  • Medulla Oblongata: Controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

  • Pons: Involved in motor control and sensory analysis.

• Arbor Vitae:

  • A tree-like structure of white matter in the cerebellum.

• Lateral Ventricle & Cerebral Aqueduct:

  • Lateral Ventricle: Fluid-filled cavities in the cerebral hemispheres.

  • Cerebral Aqueduct: A canal connecting the third and fourth ventricles.

• Pituitary Gland and Infundibulum:

  • Pituitary Gland: An endocrine gland that regulates various physiological processes.

  • Infundibulum: The stalk connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.

• Hypothalamus & Thalamus:

  • Hypothalamus: Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other autonomic functions.

  • Thalamus: Acts as a relay station for sensory information.

• Optic Chiasm:

  • The point where the optic nerves from each eye cross, allowing information from both eyes to be processed.

• Olfactory Bulbs:

  • Structures in the brain responsible for processing smell