Anatomy Chapter 14 Flashcards
1
Q
amygdala
A
Part of the limbic system involved in emotion and memory.Imagine ‘Amy is emotional’ to connect amygdala with emotions and memory.
2
Q
anterior
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Refers to the front or forward part of the body.Remember ‘A’ for ‘Ahead’ to associate anterior with the front of the body.
3
Q
Anterior Commissure
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A bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, particularly involved in pain and olfactory processing.Picture “Anterior bridge connecting the brain hemispheres.”
4
Q
Arachnoid Granulations
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Small protrusions of the arachnoid mater into the dural sinuses, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to drain into the venous system.Think “Granules for draining CSF.”
5
Q
arachnoid mater
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The middle layer of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord.Visualize ‘A spider’s web’ to remember arachnoid mater’s delicate, web-like structure.
6
Q
Arachnoid Villi
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Microscopic structures that protrude into the dural venous sinuses, assisting in CSF absorption.Visualize “Villi as tiny absorbers for CSF.”
7
Q
Arbor Vitae
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The tree-like arrangement of white matter within the cerebellum.Picture “Tree of life” for the arbor vitae.
8
Q
astrocytes
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Star-shaped glial cells in the central nervous system that support neurons.Think ‘Astronauts support the space’ as astrocytes support the CNS.
9
Q
Autonomic Nervous System
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A division of the nervous system controlling involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration.Think “Automatic nervous system for involuntary actions.”
10
Q
axon
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The long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses.Picture an ‘Axle’ of a wheel transmitting motion to associate an axon with transmitting signals.
11
Q
basal nuclei
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Clusters of neurons in the brain involved in motor control and learning.Remember ‘Base for motor control’ to link basal nuclei to movement regulation.
12
Q
brain
A
The central organ of the nervous system, responsible for processing and interpreting information.Think of a ‘Brainy computer’ to emphasize the brain’s role in processing information.
13
Q
Broca area
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Region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production.Think of ‘B’ in Broca for ‘Broken speech’ to remember its role in speech production.
14
Q
Caudal
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Anatomical term meaning toward the tail or posterior part of the body.Remember “Caudal as close to the tail.”
15
Q
Central Sulcus
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A groove in the brain separating the frontal and parietal lobes.Picture the “Central divider” between lobes.
16
Q
Cerebellum
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The part of the brain at the back of the skull, responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor control.Think “Cerebellum for balance and bells of coordination.”
17
Q
Cerebral Hemisphere
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One of the two halves of the cerebrum, responsible for different cognitive and motor functions.Visualize “Two hemispheres for brain balance.”
18
Q
Cerebral Peduncles
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Bundles of fibers in the midbrain that connect the cerebrum to the brainstem and spinal cord.Picture “Peduncles as pathways for brain connection.”
19
Q
Cerebrospinal Fluid
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A clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning, protection, and nutrient transport.Think “Cushioning spinal fluid.”
20
Q
Cerebrum
A
The largest part of the brain, responsible for voluntary actions, sensory perception, and higher cognitive functions.Picture “Cerebrum as the command center.”
21
Q
Choroid Plexus
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Networks of capillaries in the ventricles that produce cerebrospinal fluid.Imagine “Choroid as CSF factories.”
22
Q
Cingulate Gyrus
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A part of the limbic system involved in emotion regulation and pain processing.Visualize “Cingulate as the emotional gyrus.”
23
Q
Coronal Plane
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An anatomical plane dividing the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections.Picture “Coronal as the crown slice of the body.”
24
Q
Corpus Callosum
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A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres and allowing communication between them.Think “Callosum as a communication highway.”
25
Cortex
The outermost layer of the brain, involved in higher brain functions such as thought, perception, and memory.Picture "Cortex as the brain's outer shell."
26
Cranial
Pertaining to the skull or cranium.Think "Cranial for cranium or skull."
27
Cranial Nerves
Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and control sensory and motor functions in the head and neck.Remember "Cranial nerves as the brain's direct connections."
28
Dendrite
The branched projections of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.Visualize "Dendrites as tree branches catching signals."
29
Dentate Gyrus
A part of the hippocampus involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.Picture "Dentate as detailed memory storage."
30
Diencephalon
A division of the forebrain that includes structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory and hormonal regulation.Think "Diencephalon as the dual regulator."
31
Dorsal Root Ganglion
Clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies located along the spinal cord.Remember "Dorsal as sensory signal hubs."
32
Dura Mater
The tough, outermost layer of the meninges that protects the brain and spinal cord.Think "Dura for durable protection."
33
Ependymal Cells
Glial cells lining the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord, involved in producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid.Picture "Ependymal cells as CSF movers."
34
Epithalamus
Part of the diencephalon, containing the pineal gland and involved in regulating circadian rhythms and linking the limbic system to other brain regions.Think "Epi" for "End of the day" related to circadian rhythms.
35
Facial Nerve
The seventh cranial nerve (CN VII) responsible for facial expressions, taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and some glandular functions.Picture "Face and Food" to link facial expressions and taste.
36
Fasciculi
Bundles of axons in the spinal cord that transmit specific sensory or motor information.Visualize "Fasciculi as Fiber highways."
37
Forebrain
The largest and most complex part of the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, thalamus, and hypothalamus.Imagine "Forebrain as the forefront" of thinking.
38
Fornix
A C-shaped bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that connects the hippocampus to other parts of the limbic system.Think "Fornix as a connector" within the limbic system.
39
Frontal Lobe
The region of the cerebral cortex involved in decision-making, planning, and voluntary motor control.Picture "Front of the brain" for planning and control.
40
Glial Cells
Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide nutrients, remove waste, and assist in signal transmission.Think "Glue" for glial cells holding the system together.
41
Glossopharyngeal Nerve
The ninth cranial nerve (CN IX) responsible for taste from the posterior third of the tongue and contributing to swallowing.Remember "Gloss" for tongue and "Pharynx" for throat.
42
Gray Matter
The regions of the CNS composed mainly of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.Picture "Gray as the thinking matter."
43
Gyri
Raised ridges on the surface of the brain that increase surface area for neural processing.Imagine "Gyri as Giant ridges."
44
Hindbrain
The lower part of the brainstem, including the medulla, pons, and cerebellum, involved in basic survival functions.Think "Hindbrain for Heartbeat and balance."
45
Hippocampus
A part of the limbic system critical for memory formation and spatial navigation.Picture "Hippos on campus" learning their way around.
46
Hypothalamus
A structure in the diencephalon that regulates homeostasis, including temperature, hunger, and hormonal activity.Remember "Hypo" for homeostasis control.
47
Inferior
Anatomical term meaning below or lower in position.Think "Inferior is under."
48
Inferior Colliculi
Structures in the midbrain that process auditory information and reflexes.Picture "Inferior sounds" for auditory processing.
49
Interventricular Foramen
Openings that allow cerebrospinal fluid to flow between the lateral ventricles and the third ventricle.Visualize "Interventricular as Internal doors for CSF flow."
50
Lateral
Anatomical term meaning to the side or away from the midline.Think "Lateral lines on the side."
51
Lateral Sulcus
A groove separating the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.Picture "Lateral Sulcus as a Side Separator."
52
Limbic System
A group of interconnected brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and behavior.Think "Limbic for Love, Memory, and Emotion."
53
Longitudinal Fissure
A deep groove that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.Visualize "Long fissure separating brain halves."
54
Medial
Anatomical term meaning toward the midline of the body.Remember "Medial as Middle."
55
Medulla
The base of the brainstem responsible for autonomic functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.Think "Medulla for Mandatory life functions."
56
Meninges
The three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord.Picture "Meninges as Mind protectors."
57
Mesencephalon
The midbrain portion of the brainstem involved in vision, hearing, and motor control.Think "Meso for middle" connecting sensory and motor areas.
58
Metencephalon
A subdivision of the hindbrain that includes the pons and cerebellum, involved in balance and movement.Picture "Meten as motor and balance center."
59
Midbrain
A portion of the brainstem that connects the forebrain and hindbrain, involved in vision, hearing, and reflexes.Remember "Middle bridge for sensory and motor pathways."
60
Motor Cortex
The region of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.Think of the motor cortex as the "engine" of movement.
61
Myelencephalon
The posterior portion of the brainstem, which includes the medulla oblongata and is involved in autonomic functions like heart rate and respiration.Imagine "My Ellie" controlling your heart and breath.
62
Nerves
Bundles of axons in the peripheral nervous system that transmit signals between the CNS and other parts of the body.Visualize "Nerves as highways" for electrical signals.
63
Neural
Pertaining to nerves or the nervous system.Think "Neural for nerves."
64
Neuroglia
Supportive cells in the nervous system that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and protect neurons.Picture "Glue" (glia) holding the nervous system together.
65
Neuron
The basic functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical signals.Imagine a "Neuron as a wire" conducting signals.
66
Neurotransmitter
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.Think "Neurotransmitter as a text message" between neurons.
67
Nucleus
A cluster of neurons in the central nervous system or the organelle in cells containing genetic material.Picture "Nucleus as the brain" of a cell.
68
Occipital Lobe
The region of the cerebral cortex at the back of the brain responsible for visual processing.Associate "Occipital with Optics" for vision.
69
Olfactory Bulb
A structure located in the forebrain that processes information about odors.Think "Olfactory as Smell Factory."
70
Olfactory Nerve
The first cranial nerve (CN I) responsible for transmitting smell information to the brain.Picture "Old Factory producing smells."
71
Olfactory Tract
The pathway that transmits information from the olfactory bulb to other parts of the brain.Imagine a "Track" carrying smells.
72
Optic Nerve
The second cranial nerve (CN II) responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain.Think "Optic for Eyesight."
73
Parahippocampal Gyrus
A structure in the limbic system involved in memory encoding and retrieval.Picture "A hippocampus in a memory maze."
74
Parietal Lobe
The region of the cerebral cortex responsible for processing sensory information and spatial orientation.Imagine "Parietal as a map" for spatial awareness.
75
Pia Mater
The innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord.Remember "Pia as the Protective inner layer."
76
Pituitary
An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that controls growth, metabolism, and other hormone-related functions.Think "Pituitary as the master control switch."
77
Pons
Part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus, involved in sleep and respiratory control.Picture "Pons as a Bridge" between brain structures.
78
Posterior
Anatomical term referring to the back or rear of the body.Remember "Posterior as your Posture."
79
Posterior Commissure
A bundle of white matter fibers that connect the two hemispheres of the brain, located at the back of the diencephalon.Visualize a "Posterior bridge" connecting brain halves.
80
Purkinje cells
Large neurons in the cerebellar cortex involved in motor coordination.Picture 'P' in Purkinje as 'Precision' to recall their role in motor coordination.
81
Pyramids
Structures in the medulla oblongata containing motor fibers that cross to the opposite side of the body.Think of "Pyramids as Crossroads" for motor signals.
82
Receptor
A protein or structure that detects and responds to specific stimuli, such as neurotransmitters or hormones.Picture "Receptors as antennas" picking up signals.
83
Red Nucleus
A structure in the midbrain involved in motor coordination.Visualize a "Red dot" controlling movement.
84
Reticular Formation
A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in arousal, alertness, and motor control.Think "Reticular as a net" catching sensory information.
85
Retina
The light-sensitive layer of the eye that converts light into neural signals.Picture the retina as the "screen of the eye."
86
Rostral
Anatomical term meaning toward the front or nose.Remember "Rostral as reaching the nose."
87
Sagittal Plane
An anatomical plane dividing the body into left and right halves.Think "Sagittal for Side Split."
88
Somatic Motor
Refers to motor signals sent to voluntary muscles under conscious control.Picture "Somatic as Self-Control of movement."
89
Somatic Sensory
Refers to sensory signals received from skin, muscles, and joints.Imagine "Somatic Sensory as Self-feeling."
90
Somatosensory Cortex
The region of the cerebral cortex that processes sensory input from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.Visualize "Soma sensing the surface."
91
Spinal Cord
The cylindrical structure of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem to the lumbar region, transmitting signals between the brain and body.Picture the spinal cord as a 'Signal Highway' connecting the brain and the body.
92
Spinal Tract
Pathways within the spinal cord that carry sensory or motor signals to and from the brain.Imagine a 'Train on a track' to remember signal pathways.
93
Subarachnoid Space
The area between the arachnoid mater and pia mater where cerebrospinal fluid circulates.Think 'Sub' for beneath and 'arachnoid' for the web-like space filled with CSF.
94
Substantia Nigra
A structure in the midbrain involved in movement and reward, containing dopamine-producing neurons.Remember 'Substance' for movement and 'Nigra' for its dark color.
95
Sulci
Grooves on the surface of the brain that separate gyri and increase surface area for neural activity.Visualize 'Sulking grooves' to remember brain folds.
96
Superior
Anatomical term meaning above or higher in position.Think 'Super' as in superior or above.
97
Superior Colliculi
Structures in the midbrain involved in visual processing and reflexes.Picture 'Superior' as visual and 'Colliculi' as collecting visual input.
98
Superior Sagittal Sinus
A venous sinus located along the top of the brain that drains blood from the brain's outer layers.Imagine a 'Super Sagittal Drain' at the brain's peak.
99
Synapse
The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.Think 'Snap' for the connection where signals jump across neurons.
100
Synaptic
Pertaining to a synapse, where communication occurs between neurons.Visualize 'Synaptic sparks' transferring signals.
101
Telencephalon
The largest part of the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for sensory perception, motor functions, and higher cognitive abilities.Remember 'Telephone' for communicating complex thoughts and actions.
102
Temporal Lobe
The region of the cerebral cortex located on the sides of the brain, responsible for processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory storage.Think 'Temporal' like 'Tempo' for sound and memory, linking to auditory processing.
103
Thalamus
A structure in the brain's diencephalon that acts as a relay center for sensory signals, directing them to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.Remember 'Thalamus as the Telephone operator' directing signals to the brain.
104
Tracts
Bundles of axons in the central nervous system (CNS) that transmit information between different regions of the brain or between the brain and spinal cord.Visualize 'Train tracks' to remember tracts as pathways for signal transmission.
105
Transverse Plane
An anatomical plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.Picture 'Transverse' as a 'T-section' dividing the body into top and bottom halves.
106
Trigeminal Nerve
The fifth cranial nerve (CN V) responsible for sensory input from the face and motor control of muscles involved in chewing.Think 'Tri' in trigeminal for 'Triple tasks': sensory and chewing.
107
Vagus Nerve
The tenth cranial nerve (CN X), a mixed nerve providing sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, including heart rate regulation, digestion, and vocalization.Recall 'Vegas' as relaxation and digestion, controlled by the vagus nerve.
108
Ventral Root Ganglion
A collection of motor neuron cell bodies located in the anterior region of the spinal cord, responsible for transmitting motor signals to peripheral muscles.Picture 'Ventral' as 'Vehicle' for motor signals exiting the spinal cord.
109
Ventricle
A hollow cavity in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which helps cushion the brain and maintain homeostasis.Imagine a 'Vessel' to remember ventricles as cavities for CSF flow.
110
Ventricles
A system of interconnected, fluid-filled cavities in the brain that includes the lateral ventricles, third ventricle, and fourth ventricle, involved in CSF circulation.Think 'Ventricles as a fluid roadmap' for cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
111
Vestibulocochlear Nerve
The eighth cranial nerve (CN VIII) responsible for transmitting auditory and balance information from the inner ear to the brain.Associate 'Vestibule' with balance and 'Cochlear' with hearing for CN VIII.
112
Wernicke area
Region in the temporal lobe associated with language comprehension.Think 'W' in Wernicke for 'Word comprehension' to link it with understanding language.
113
White Matter
Regions of the CNS composed of myelinated axons, which facilitate the rapid transmission of electrical signals between different parts of the brain and spinal cord.Visualize 'White highways' as the fast lanes for CNS signal transmission.
