Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology: Nervous System & Special Senses

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/31

Terms in this set (31)

  • Meninges
    The three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
  • Epidural space
    The space between the dura mater and the vertebral wall, containing fat and blood vessels.
  • Dura mater
    The tough, outermost layer of the meninges that protects the brain and spinal cord.
  • Arachnoid mater
    The middle meningeal layer, a web-like structure that cushions the central nervous system.
  • Subarachnoid space
    The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Pia mater
    The delicate, innermost meningeal layer that closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord surface.
  • Central nervous system (CNS)
    Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and sending neural signals.
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
    Includes cranial and spinal nerves that connect the CNS to limbs and organs.
  • Cerebrum
    The largest brain part, responsible for voluntary activities, sensory perception, and cognition.
  • Cerebral cortex
    The outer gray matter layer of the cerebrum involved in higher brain functions.
  • Corpus callosum
    A thick band of white matter connecting the two cerebral hemispheres for communication.
  • Brain lobes
    Four main lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital, each with specific functions.
  • Primary motor area
    Region of the frontal lobe controlling voluntary muscle movements.
  • Primary somatosensory area
    Region of the parietal lobe processing sensory information from the body.
  • Hypothalamus
    Part of the diencephalon regulating homeostasis, hormone release, and autonomic functions.
  • Thalamus
    Relay center in the diencephalon that processes and transmits sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
  • Cerebellum
    Brain region coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and posture.
  • Brain stem
    Includes midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
  • Ventricles of the brain
    Four fluid-filled cavities producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid: lateral, third, and fourth ventricles.
  • Choroid plexus
    Network of cells in ventricles that produces cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Spinal cord gray matter
    Contains neuron cell bodies and is shaped like a butterfly in cross-section.
  • Spinal cord white matter
    Contains myelinated axons forming ascending and descending tracts.
  • Dorsal root ganglion
    Cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located on the dorsal root of a spinal nerve.
  • Phrenic nerve
    Nerve from the cervical plexus that controls the diaphragm for breathing.
  • Brachial plexus
    Network of nerves supplying the shoulder, arm, and hand.
  • Sciatic nerve
    Largest nerve in the body, originating from the sacral plexus and supplying the lower limb.
  • Fibrous layer of the eye
    Outer layer including the sclera and cornea providing protection and shape.
  • Vascular layer of the eye
    Middle layer containing the choroid, iris, and pupil controlling light entry.
  • Nervous layer of the eye
    Innermost layer, the retina, containing photoreceptors for vision.
  • Auditory ossicles
    Three small bones in the middle ear: malleus, incus, and stapes that transmit sound vibrations.
  • Vestibulocochlear nerve
    Cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.