Lesson 4 Flashcards
Thalamus function
Acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus function
Maintains homeostasis by regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. It also controls the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
Cerebellum function
Coordinates voluntary movements, posture, balance, and muscle tone.
CNS
Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and sending out information.
Ventral Horn
The front part of the spinal cord’s gray matter that contains motor neurons controlling skeletal muscles.
midbrain
A portion of the brainstem involved in vision, hearing, motor control, and alertness.
PNS
Nerves outside the CNS that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
medulla
The lowest part of the brainstem, regulating vital functions like heart rate and breathing.
Pons
Part of the brainstem involved in regulating breathing and communication between different parts of the brain.
ANS
Controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate and digestion; includes sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
ventricles
Fluid-filled cavities in the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
cranial nerves
Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain and control sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.
Sympathetic Ganglia
Clusters of nerve cells that are part of the sympathetic nervous system, involved in the “fight or flight” response.
Nerve Tracts
Bundles of nerve fibers (axons) that transmit signals between different regions of the CNS.
parasympathetic nervous system
Part of the ANS that promotes “rest and digest” functions, conserving energy.
Diencephalon
A brain region that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory processing and autonomic regulation.
Cranium
the skull which encases and protects the brain
cortex
The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thought, memory, and sensation
brainstem
Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls essential life functions such as breathing and heart rate.
foramina
Openings in bones, especially the skull, that allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels.
sulcus
A groove on the brain’s surface that separates gyri (ridges), increasing surface area.
reflex arc
A neural pathway that controls an automatic response to a stimulus, such as a knee-jerk reaction.
cerebrum
The largest part of the brain, involved in voluntary movement, sensory processing, and higher cognitive functions.
gyrus
A ridge on the brain’s surface, separated by sulci, involved in brain function.
cerebellum
A structure at the back of the brain responsible for balance, coordination, and motor control.
gray matter
Contains neuron cell bodies and is involved in processing and interpreting information.
white matter
Composed of myelinated nerve fibers that transmit signals within the CNS.
thalamus
A relay center for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain.
hypothalamus
A small region of the brain that regulates homeostasis, including hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
meninges
Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord.
cerebrospinal fluid
A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, removing waste and supplying nutrients.
Blood-Brain Barrier
A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing necessary nutrients to pass
spinal cord
the nerve pathway that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
cranial nerves
Twelve pairs of nerves that control sensory and motor functions in the head and neck.
spinal nerves
Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, carrying motor and sensory signals between the CNS and the body.
dorsal horn
The back part of the spinal cord’s gray matter that receives sensory information from the body.
dermatome
An area of skin supplied by sensory neurons from a specific spinal nerve.
