Chapter 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Bilateral Symmetry

A

Body plan in which the left and right sides of an organism are mirror images.

Example: Humans exhibit bilateral symmetry.

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2
Q

Brainstem

A

The lower part of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord; controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.

Example: Damage to the brainstem can result in serious health issues.

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3
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

The CNS plays a crucial role in processing information.

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4
Q

Cerebellum

A

A part of the brain located at the back of the skull, responsible for coordinating movement and balance.

The cerebellum is essential for motor control.

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5
Q

Cerebrum (Forebrain)

A

The largest part of the brain, involved in sensory perception, motor control, and higher cognitive functions.

The cerebrum is responsible for complex brain functions.

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6
Q

Chordate

A

Animals possessing a notochord at some stage of development, including vertebrates.

Chordates are characterized by the presence of a notochord.

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7
Q

Cladogram

A

A diagram depicting the evolutionary relationships between different species based on their shared characteristics.

Cladograms help visualize evolutionary history.

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8
Q

Common Ancestor

A

The most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolved.

All species share a common ancestor.

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9
Q

Connectome

A

A comprehensive map of neural connections in the brain.

Studying the connectome can provide insights into brain function.

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10
Q

Ganglia

A

Structures containing a number of nerve cell bodies, typically linked by synapses, and often forming a swelling on a nerve fiber.

Ganglia play a role in coordinating neural signals.

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11
Q

Glial Cells

A

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons.

Glial cells play a crucial role in brain health.

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12
Q

Hemisphere

A

Either of the two halves of the brain, each responsible for different functions and control of opposite sides of the body.

The left hemisphere is often associated with language processing.

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13
Q

Neuron

A

A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system that transmits electrical and chemical signals.

Neurons communicate through electrochemical signals.

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14
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

The part of the nervous system outside the CNS, including sensory and motor neurons connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

The PNS regulates voluntary and involuntary actions.

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15
Q

Clinical Trial

A

A research study conducted with human volunteers to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention.

Clinical trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge.

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16
Q

Concussion

A

A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, leading to temporary disruption of brain function.

Concussions can have short-term and long-term effects on brain health.

17
Q

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

A

A surgical treatment involving the implantation of electrodes in the brain to treat neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

DBS is used to modulate brain activity.

18
Q

Encephalization Quotient (EQ)

A

A measure of brain size relative to body size, often used to estimate an animal’s intelligence.

Animals with high EQ values are considered more intelligent.

19
Q

Locked-In Syndrome

A

A rare neurological disorder characterized by complete paralysis of voluntary muscles except for those that control eye movement, while consciousness remains intact.

Locked-in syndrome can be a challenging condition to diagnose.

20
Q

Minimally Conscious State (MCS)

A

A condition of severely altered consciousness but with some evidence of self-awareness or awareness of the environment.

MCS requires specialized care and management.

21
Q

Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)

A

A condition in which a person is awake but not aware of themselves or their surroundings, usually due to severe brain injury.

PVS is a complex neurological condition.

22
Q

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A

An injury to the brain caused by an external force, often resulting in temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychological functions.

TBIs can have long-lasting effects on a person’s quality of life.