Chapter 15: Nervous system Organs and Anatomic structures Flashcards
Brain
contained within the cranium, the center for coordinating body activities and comprises the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem
cerebrum
largest portion of the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres. The cerebrum controls the skeletal muscles, interprets general senses (such as temp, pain, and touch), and contains centers for sight and hearing. Intellect, memory, and emotional reactions also take place in cerebrum
gray matter
outer portion of the cerebrum, contains neuron cell bodies that collect and process information
white matter
inner portion of the cerebrum, contains neuron cell bodies that collect and process information. Gray matter forms the inner portion of the spinal cord
white matter
inner portion of the cerebrum, contains axons, long cords that extend from neurons; conveys information to different parts of the brain. White matter forms the outer portion of the spinal cord
ventricles
cavities (spaces) within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord
cerebellum
located under the posterior portion of the cerebrum; assists in coordination of skeletal muscles to maintain balance.
aka the hindbrain
brainstem
stemlike portion of the brain that connects with the spinal cord. Contains centers that control respiration and heart rate. Thee structures compromise the brainstem: pons, medulla oblongata, and midbrain
pons
Literally means bridge. It connects the cerebrum with the cerebellum and brainstem
medulla oblongata
located between the pons and spinal cord. It contains centers that control respiration, heart rate, and the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which assist in determining blood pressure
midbrain
most superior portion of the brainstem
spinal cord
passes through the vertebral canal extending from the medulla oblongata to the level of the second lumbar vertebra. The spinal cord conducts nerve impulses to and from the brain and initiates reflex action to sensory information without input from the brain
cerebrospinal fluid
clear, colorless fluid contained in the ventricles that flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the brain and spinal cord from shock, transports nutrients, and clears metabolic waste
meninges
three layers of membrane that cover the brain and spinal cord
dura mater
tough outer layer of the meninges