Neuroanatomy: Gross Anatomy Flashcards
Divisions of the central nervous system (CNS)
Brain, Brain stem, Cerebellum, and Spinal Cord
Nucleus
A group of neurons within the CNS with similar function, connectivity, and neurotransmitters
Tract
A bundle of axons traveling together within the CNS
Synapse
A point of connection/communication between neurons
Afferent
Arriving information
Efferent
Exiting information
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Cranial and Peripheral Nerves
Nerve
A bundle of axons (plus associated connective tissue and blood vessels) located outside the brain and spinal cord
Ganglia
A group of neurons outside of the CNS with similar function, connectivity, and neurotransmitters
Somatic Nervous System
Afferent and efferent systems that regulate motor innervation of skeletal muscle and sensory information from the external environment (aware sensations)
Autonomic Nervous System
Afferent and efferent systems that regulate motor innervation of smooth muscle and glands and sensory information from the internal environment (unaware sensations)
Gray matter
neuronal cell bodies and proximal dendrites
White Matter
myelinated axons (rich in lipids and fiber tracts)
Frontal Lobe function
Executive functions, personality, decision making
Parietal Lobe Function
Primary sensory cortex, association cortex