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Nervous System & Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (29)

  • Meninges
    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 actions, sensory perception, and cognition.
  • Cerebral cortex
    The outer layer of the cerebrum involved in complex brain functions like thought and action.
  • 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 distinct 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 station in the diencephalon that directs sensory signals 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 involved in processing and reflexes.
  • Spinal cord white matter
    Contains myelinated axons that transmit signals up and down the spinal cord.
  • Dorsal root ganglion
    Cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located outside the spinal cord.
  • Phrenic nerve
    Nerve from the cervical plexus that controls the diaphragm for breathing.
  • Eye fibrous layer
    Outer layer including the sclera and cornea providing protection and shape.
  • Eye vascular layer
    Middle layer including the choroid, iris, and pupil controlling light entry and nourishment.
  • Retina
    Nervous layer of the eye containing photoreceptors for vision.
  • Auditory ossicles
    Three small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) that transmit sound vibrations.
  • Vestibulocochlear nerve
    Cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.