Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Psyc 231 Midterm 1 > Chapter 2 > Flashcards

Chapter 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the central nervous system?
- what structures are included?
- how does the brain develop?
- how do we differentiate location of one structure/area and another structure/area?

A

The CNS consists of two organs, the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and transmitting information through the body. The brain develops from the neural tube into distinct regions. They are differentiated by anatomical landmarks, directional terms, and imaging techniques.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the peripheral nervous system?
- what structures are included?
- how is it divided?
- what is it responsible for?

A

The PNS connects the CNS to the body via the cranial (12) and spinal nerves (31). It is divided into the somatic (voluntary control of muscles) and autonomic (involuntary) systems. The autonomic system then splits into the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) divisions. It relays sensory input to the CNS and sends motor commands to muscles and glands.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are some support structures for the nervous system? What do they do? How do they work?

A

Glial cells: they support, protect, and maintain neurons (structural support, produce myelin, act as immune cells, produce CSF)
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): cushions the brain and spinal cord while removing waste. Produced in the brains ventricles and eventually reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Meninges: protect the brain and spinal cord (Dura Mater, Arachnoid Mater, and Pia Mater)
Blood-Brain Barrier: protects the brain from harmful things in the blood stream (selectively allows nutrients while blocking toxins and pathogens)
Myelin: insulates axons to speed up conduction of electrical impulses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Afferent

A

Nerves that carry sensory signals toward the CNS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Anterior

A

Refers to the front or forward facing part of the body or structure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Anterior cerebral arteries

A

Arteries supplying blood to the frontal lobes and superior medial regions of the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Arachnoid mater

A

The middle layer of the meninges with a web-like structure that surrounds the brain and spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Astrocyte

A

Type of glial cell int he CNS that supports neurons and helps maintain the blood-brain barrier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Autonomic nervous system

A

There part of the nervous system controlling involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Basal ganglia

A

A group of structures involved in motor control, cognition, and emotion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Blood-brain barrier

A

A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Cadal

A

Refers to structured towards the back or tail end of the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Central canal

A

A small canal running through the spinal cord filled with cerebrospinal fluid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Central sulcus

A

A groove that separates the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

(Cerebral) cortex

A

The outer layer of the brain responsible for high-order functions like thought, perception, and voluntary movement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Cerebellum

A

The brain region responsible for motor coordination, balance, and posture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid

A

A fluid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord, circulating in the ventricles and subarachnoid space

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Cervical

A

Pertaining to the neck or upper portion of the spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Circle of Willis

A

A circular arterial structure that provides blood supply to the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Contralateral

A

Refers to the opposite side of the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Coronal

A

A plane that divides the body or brain into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Corpus callosum

A

A large bundle of nerve fibres connecting the two hemispheres of the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Cranial nerves

A

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain, controlling sensory and motor functions of the head and neck

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Cross-section

A

A transverse or horizontal slice through a structure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Diencephalon

A

A brain region that includes structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory processing and homeostasis. THALAMUS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Distal

A

Refers to a structure further away from the point of attachment or origin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Dorsal

A

Refers to the back or top of a structure, often used in reference to the spinal cord or brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Dorsal root ganglion

A

A cluster of sensory nerve cell bodies located near the spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Dura mater

A

The tough outer layer of the meninges that encases the brain and spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Efferent

A

Refers to the nerves that carry motor signals away from the CNS to muscles and glands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Enteric nervous system

A

A network of neurons in the gastrointestinal tract responsible for digestive functions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Fight-or-flight response

A

A psychological reaction triggered by the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress or danger

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Fissure

A

A deep groove or cleft in the brain, separating different brain regions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Forebrain

A

The largest part of the brain, including the cerebrum and diencephalon, involved in higher cognitive functions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Fourth ventricle

A

A CSF-filled cavity located between the brainstem and cerebellum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Frontal lobe

A

The part of the brain responsible for decision-making, voluntary movement, and speech

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Gray matter

A

Regions of the brain and spinal cord made up of neuronal cell bodies and unmyelinated axons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Gyri (gyrus)

A

The raised ridges on the surface of the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Hemorrhagic stroke

A

A stroke caused by bleeding in to around the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Hindbrain

A

The lower part of the brain, including the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Hippocampus

A

A structure in the brain involved in memory formation and learning

42
Q

Horizontal

A

A plane that divides the body or brain into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections

43
Q

Hydrocephalus

A

A condition characterized by excessive accumulation of CSF in the brain

44
Q

Hypothalamus

A

A small region of the brain responsible for regulating hormones, body temperature, hunger, and thirst

45
Q

Inferior

A

Refers to a structure located below or toward the feet

46
Q

Ipsilateral

A

Refers to the same side of the body or brain

47
Q

Ischemic stroke

A

A stroke caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain

48
Q

Lateral

A

Refers to a structure away from the midline of the body or brain

49
Q

Lateral fissure

A

A deep groove separating the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes

50
Q

Lateral ventricles

A

A pair of large, CSF-filled cavities in the cerebral hemispheres

51
Q

Longitudinal fissure

A

A deep groove separating the two cerebral hemispheres

52
Q

Lumbar

A

Refers to the lower back or the region of the spine between the thoracic and sacral areas

53
Q

Medial

A

Refers to a structure closer to the midline of the body or brain

54
Q

Medulla oblongata

A

The lower part of the brainstem that controls vital functions like heart rate and breathing

55
Q

Meninges

A

The three layers of protective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater)

56
Q

Meningitis

A

Inflammation of the meninges, often caused by infection

57
Q

Mesencephalon

A

Also known as the MIDBRAIN, involved in sensory and motor processing

58
Q

Metencephalon

A

The region of the brain that includes includes the pons and cerebellum PONS!!

59
Q

Midbrain

A

A part of the brain involved in visual and auditory processing and motor control

60
Q

Middle cerebral arteries

A

Arteries that supply blood to the lateral aspects of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes

61
Q

Myelencephalon

A

The part of the hindbrain that becomes the medulla oblongata

62
Q

Myelin

A

A fatty substance that insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses

63
Q

Neural tube

A

The embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord

64
Q

Occipital lobe

A

The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information

65
Q

Parasagittal

A

A plane parallel to the Sagittal plane, diving the body or brain into unequal right and left sections

66
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system

A

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for “rest and digest” activities

67
Q

Parietal lobe

A

The part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information like touch and spatial awareness

68
Q

Pia mater

A

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord

69
Q

Pons

A

A part of the brainstem that relays signals between the cerebellum and cerebrum and regulates breathing

70
Q

Posterior

A

Refers to the back or rear-facing part of the body or structure

71
Q

Posterior cerebral arteries

A

Arteries that supply blood to the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal lobe

72
Q

Primary auditory cortex

A

The brain region responsible for processing sound, located in the temporal lobe

73
Q

Primary motor cortex

A

The region of the frontal lobe responsible for voluntary motor control

74
Q

Primary somatosensory cortex

A

The region of the parietal lobe responsible for processing sensory information like touch and temperature

75
Q

Primary visual cortex

A

The region of the occipital lobe responsible for processing visual information

76
Q

Prosencephalon

A

Also known as the forebrain, it includes the cerebrum and diencephalon

77
Q

Proximal

A

Refers to a structure closer to the point of attachment or origin

78
Q

Rest-and-digest response

A

A physiological state promoted by the parasympathetic nervous system that conserves energy and promotes digestion

79
Q

Rhombencephalon

A

The hindbrain, including the medulla, pons, and cerebellum

80
Q

Rostral

A

Refers to a structure toward the front of the body or brain

81
Q

Sacral

A

Refers to the region near the base of the spine, between the lumbar and coccygeal areas

82
Q

Somatic nervous system

A

The part of peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles

83
Q

Spinal cord

A

A long, cylindrical structure of nerve tissue that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body

84
Q

Spinal nerves

A

Nerves that branch from the spinal cord

85
Q

Sulci (sulcus)

A

Grooves or folds on the surface of the brain that separate the gyri (ridges), increasing the brains surface area

86
Q

Superior

A

Refers to a structure located above or towards the head

87
Q

Sympathetic ganglion

A

Clusters of nerve cell bodies in the sympathetic NS that relay information to organs during “fight or flight” responses

88
Q

Sympathetic nervous system

A

A division of the autonomic NS responsible for the bodies “fight or flight” response, preparing the body for stress or emergencies

89
Q

Telencephalon

A

The part of the brain that develops into the cerebrum, including the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system. CEREBRUM

90
Q

Temporal lobe

A

A region of the brain responsible for processing auditory information, language, and memory

91
Q

Thalamus

A

A relay station in the brain that processes sensory information and directs it to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex

92
Q

Third ventricle

A

A fluid-filled cavity in the brain located in the diencephalon, part of the ventricular system that contains cerebrospinal fluid

93
Q

Thoracic

A

Refers to the mid-section of the spinal column, located between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.

94
Q

Transverse

A

A plane that divides the body or a structure into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections, also called the horizontal plane

95
Q

Vagus nerve

A

The 10th cranial nerve that controls many functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, through the parasympathetic NS

96
Q

Vagus nerve

A

The 10th cranial nerve that controls many functions including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, through the parasympathetic NS

97
Q

Ventral

A

Refers to the front or belly side of the body or structure (opposite of dorsal)

98
Q

Ventricles

A

Cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid that provide cushioning and help maintain brain metabolism

99
Q

Vertebral column

A

The backbone or spine, made up of vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and support the body’s structure

100
Q

White matter

A

Regions of the brain and spinal cord composed of myelinated axons, responsible for transmitting signals between different areas of the CNS

Psyc 231 Midterm 1 (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions