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Medical Terminology: Nervous System Part 2

Anatomy and Physiology25 CardsCreated 2 months ago

This deck covers key terms and concepts related to the nervous system, focusing on structures and functions within the brain and peripheral nervous system.

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Define: Thalamus

A relay station in the brain that processes and transmits sensory information to the cerebral cortex. The thalamus acts as a hub for sensory data before it reaches higher brain areas.
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Key Terms

Term
Definition
Define: Thalamus
A relay station in the brain that processes and transmits sensory information to the cerebral cortex. The thalamus acts as a hub for sensory data befo...
Define: Hypothalamus
A region of the brain that regulates many autonomic functions, including temperature, hunger, and thirst. The hypothalamus plays a critical role in ma...
Define: Pituitary Gland
A small gland at the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating various bodily functions. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'ma...
Define: Pineal Gland
A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. The pineal gland helps control circadian rhythms by s...
Define: Basal Ganglia
A group of nuclei in the brain involved in coordinating movement and regulating voluntary motor control. The basal ganglia help in the planning and ex...
Define: Limbic System
A complex system of structures in the brain involved in emotion, memory, and motivation. The limbic system is crucial for emotional responses and memo...
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Medical Terminology: Nervous System Part 2
TermDefinition
Define: Thalamus
A relay station in the brain that processes and transmits sensory information to the cerebral cortex. The thalamus acts as a hub for sensory data before it reaches higher brain areas.
Define: Hypothalamus
A region of the brain that regulates many autonomic functions, including temperature, hunger, and thirst. The hypothalamus plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis.
Define: Pituitary Gland
A small gland at the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating various bodily functions. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' due to its influence on other glands.
Define: Pineal Gland
A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. The pineal gland helps control circadian rhythms by secreting melatonin.
Define: Basal Ganglia
A group of nuclei in the brain involved in coordinating movement and regulating voluntary motor control. The basal ganglia help in the planning and execution of smooth movements.
Define: Limbic System
A complex system of structures in the brain involved in emotion, memory, and motivation. The limbic system is crucial for emotional responses and memory formation.
Define: Amygdala
An almond-shaped structure in the brain that plays a key role in processing emotions, especially fear and pleasure. The amygdala is activated during threatening situations.
Define: Hippocampus
A region of the brain associated with memory formation and spatial navigation. The hippocampus is critical for converting short-term memories into long-term memories.
Define: Corpus Callosum
A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them. The corpus callosum allows for the transfer of information between the two sides of the brain.
Define: Ventricles
Cavities within the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, providing cushioning and support. The ventricles help circulate cerebrospinal fluid, protecting the brain.
Define: Meninges
Three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The meninges consist of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
Define: Dura Mater
The outermost layer of the meninges, providing a tough protective covering for the brain and spinal cord. The dura mater is the thickest and most durable of the meningeal layers.
Define: Arachnoid Mater
The middle layer of the meninges, which is web-like and contains cerebrospinal fluid. The arachnoid mater helps cushion the brain within the skull.
Define: Pia Mater
The innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord. The pia mater contains blood vessels that supply the brain.
Define: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
A clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrient transport. Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a shock absorber for the brain.
Define: Gray Matter
Regions of the nervous system containing neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses. Gray matter is involved in processing information and is found in the brain's cortex.
Define: White Matter
Regions of the nervous system consisting mainly of myelinated axons, facilitating communication between different brain areas. White matter provides the pathways for signals to travel across the brain.
Define: Cranial Nerves
Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck. The cranial nerves control facial movements and sensations.
Define: Spinal Nerves
Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, carrying motor and sensory information to and from the body. Spinal nerves are crucial for transmitting signals to and from the limbs.
Define: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion. The autonomic nervous system controls functions without conscious effort.
Define: Sympathetic Nervous System
A division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stressful situations. The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate during emergencies.
Define: Parasympathetic Nervous System
A division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' functions, calming the body after stress. The parasympathetic nervous system helps lower heart rate after a stressful event.
Define: Enteric Nervous System
A complex network of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system. The enteric nervous system is often referred to as the 'second brain' due to its autonomy.
Define: Somatic Nervous System
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. The somatic nervous system allows us to move our arms and legs consciously.
Define: Action Potential
A rapid change in the electrical charge of a neuron that transmits a signal along the axon. An action potential is triggered when the threshold is reached in a neuron.