Chapter 1 Flashcards
Bilateral Symmetry
Body plan in which the left and right sides of an organism are mirror images.
Example: Humans exhibit bilateral symmetry.
Brainstem
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.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
The CNS plays a crucial role in processing information.
Cerebellum
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.
Cerebrum (Forebrain)
The largest part of the brain, involved in sensory perception, motor control, and higher cognitive functions.
The cerebrum is responsible for complex brain functions.
Chordate
Animals possessing a notochord at some stage of development, including vertebrates.
Chordates are characterized by the presence of a notochord.
Cladogram
A diagram depicting the evolutionary relationships between different species based on their shared characteristics.
Cladograms help visualize evolutionary history.
Common Ancestor
The most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolved.
All species share a common ancestor.
Connectome
A comprehensive map of neural connections in the brain.
Studying the connectome can provide insights into brain function.
Ganglia
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.
Glial Cells
Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons.
Glial cells play a crucial role in brain health.
Hemisphere
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.
Neuron
A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system that transmits electrical and chemical signals.
Neurons communicate through electrochemical signals.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
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.
Clinical Trial
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.
Concussion
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.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
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.
Encephalization Quotient (EQ)
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.
Locked-In Syndrome
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.
Minimally Conscious State (MCS)
A condition of severely altered consciousness but with some evidence of self-awareness or awareness of the environment.
MCS requires specialized care and management.
Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)
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.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
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.
