Central Nervous System Ch 50-1
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Created by:
fernandezfam on May 29, 2011
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30 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 afferent neuron | a peripheral neuron that conducts impulses toward the central nervous system |
| arachnoid layer | the middle layer of the three sacs that surround the brain and spinal cord; elastic & weblike |
| axon | in a neuron, an elongated threadlike extension that carries impulses away from the cell body |
| brain stem | the region of the brain that lies posterior to the cerebrum and that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord |
| central nervous system | the brain and the spinal cord |
| cerebellum | a posterior portion of the brain that controls movement and muscle coordination; just below occipital lobes of cerebral hemisphere; highly folded, striated appearance |
| cerebral cortex | the folded outer layer of the cerebrum that controls motor and sensory activities |
| cerebral hemispheres | the two distinct sections of the cerebrum |
| cerebrospinal fluid | a watery substance that provides a cushion that protects the brain and spinal cord; separates the middle & inner meninges and fills 4 interconnected ventricles or cavities in the brain where it acts as a transport medium for substances important to brain function |
| cerebrum | the anterior portion of the brain where higher brain functions occur; largest portion of brain composed of two cerebral hemispheres; highly folded outer layer |
| corpus callosum | the structure formed by nerve fibers connecting the cerebral hemispheres of the brain; lies deep on the central groove that separates right & left cerebral hemispheres |
| diencephalon | in the brain, an area below the cerebral hemisphere that contains the thalamus and the hypothalamus; the upper part of the brain stem |
| dura mater | the outermost of the three sacs that enclose the brain and spinal cord; consists of connective tissue, blood vessels and neurons |
| efferent neuron | a peripheral neuron that conducts impulses away from the central nervous system |
| interneuron | a neuron that connects with another neuron |
| limbic system | a group of clusters of neurons in the brain that helps regulate the emotions, memory & motivation; parts of the diencephalon - the thalamus & hypothalamus, & the cerebrum - deeper parts of the cerebral cortex & centers in the temporal lobes |
| medulla oblongota | a part of the lower brain stem; contains neurons that serve as both a relay center and a control center; includes centers that control various homeostatic activities, including heart rate & respiration rate |
| meninges | the three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord |
| midbrain | a part of the lower brain stem; important relay center for visual and auditory information |
| motor neuron | a neuron that carries impulses from the spinal cord to muscle cells |
| nerve | a strand of axons through which impulses travel |
| peripheral nervous system | the network of nerves that connects the central nervous system with all parts of the body; neurons not included in the brain & spinal cord |
| pia mater | the innermost layer of the three sacs that surround and adhere to the brain and spinal cord; contains many blood vessels & neurons |
| pons | a segment of the lower brain stem; serves a s a relay center between the neurons of the cerebral hemispheres and those of the cerebellum |
| reticular formation | a network of nerve fibers running through the brain stem and the thalamus; helps to control respiration & circulation & serves as a filtering system for incoming sensory signals |
| sensory receptor | a neuron that detects a stimulus |
| spinal cord | a column of nerve tissue running through the vertebral column starting in the medulla oblongata; composed of an outer sheath of white matter (primarily axons of neurons) & a rigid inner core of gray matter composed of the cell bodies of neurons |
| thalamus | the brain structure that directs incoming sensory impulses to the proper region of the cerebral cortex; part of the upper brain stem or diencephalon along with the hypothalamus; part of the limbic system along withthe hypothalamus, some deeperparts of the cerebral cortex & centers in the temporal modes |
| ventricle | 4 interconnected cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) |
| white matter | area of the brain below the surface of the cerebral cortex and composed of the axons of cortical neurons |
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