Chapter 2

Question 1

Afferent

Answer 1

Nerve fibers that carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

Example sentence: Afferent neurons transmit signals from the skin to the brain.

Question 2

Allocortex

Answer 2

The part of the cerebral cortex characterized by fewer layers than the neocortex, involved in olfaction and memory.

None

Question 3

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 3

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

None

Question 4

Basal Ganglia

Answer 4

A group of nuclei in the brain involved in movement control, motor learning, and emotions.

None

Question 5

Brainstem

Answer 5

The lower part of the brain connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain, responsible for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.

None

Question 6

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 6

The outer layer of the brain, involved in higher-order brain functions like sensory perception, cognition, and motor control.

None

Question 7

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Answer 7

Clear fluid that circulates in the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrient delivery.

None

Question 8

Corpus Callosum

Answer 8

A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing for communication between them.

None

Question 9

Cranial Nerves

Answer 9

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the head and neck.

None

Question 10

Cytoarchitectonic Map

Answer 10

A map of the brain based on the cellular composition of its tissues.

None

Question 11

Dermatome

Answer 11

An area of skin supplied by sensory nerves from a single spinal nerve root.

None

Question 12

Diencephalon

Answer 12

A part of the forebrain that includes structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus.

None

Question 13

Efferent

Answer 13

Nerve fibers that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

None

Question 14

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

Answer 14

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal system.

None

Question 15

Forebrain

Answer 15

The anterior part of the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, thalamus, and hypothalamus.

None

Question 16

Gray Matter

Answer 16

Regions of the central nervous system that are rich in neuronal cell bodies.

None

Question 17

Gyri (sing. Gyrus)

Answer 17

The ridges or folds on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

None

Question 18

Hindbrain

Answer 18

The lower part of the brain that includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata.

None

Question 19

Hypothalamus

Answer 19

A region of the brain involved in regulating autonomic functions, emotions, and endocrine activities.

None

Question 20

Limbic System

Answer 20

A group of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory.

None

Question 21

Meninges

Answer 21

The three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater).

None

Question 22

Midbrain

Answer 22

A part of the brainstem involved in vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, arousal, and temperature regulation.

None

Question 23

Neocortex

Answer 23

The part of the cerebral cortex involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, cognition, and motor control.

None

Question 24

Nuclei (sing. Nucleus)

Answer 24

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the central nervous system.

None

Question 25

Occipital Lobe

Answer 25

The region of the cerebral cortex located at the back of the brain, responsible for visual processing. ## Footnote None

Question 26

Parietal Lobe

Answer 26

The region of the cerebral cortex located at the top of the brain, involved in processing sensory information from the body. ## Footnote None

Question 27

Reticular Formation

Answer 27

A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in regulating arousal, sleep, and consciousness. ## Footnote None

Question 28

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Answer 28

The part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles. ## Footnote None

Question 29

Sulci (sing. Sulcus)

Answer 29

The grooves or furrows on the surface of the cerebral cortex. ## Footnote None

Question 30

Tectum

Answer 30

The dorsal part of the midbrain involved in visual and auditory reflexes. ## Footnote None

Question 31

Tegmentum

Answer 31

The ventral part of the midbrain involved in movement and arousal. ## Footnote None

Question 32

Temporal Lobe

Answer 32

The region of the cerebral cortex located on the sides of the brain, involved in auditory processing and memory. ## Footnote None

Question 33

Thalamus

Answer 33

A structure in the diencephalon that acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex. ## Footnote None

Question 34

Tract

Answer 34

A bundle of nerve fibers (axons) in the central nervous system. ## Footnote None

Question 35

Ventricles

Answer 35

Cavities within the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid. ## Footnote None

Question 36

White Matter

Answer 36

Regions of the central nervous system that are rich in myelinated nerve fibers (axons). ## Footnote None

Question 37

Alzheimer Disease

Answer 37

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. ## Footnote None

Question 38

Parkinson Disease

Answer 38

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. ## Footnote None

Question 39

Stroke

Answer 39

A medical condition caused by the interruption of blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain tissue damage. ## Footnote None

Question 40

Tourette Syndrome

Answer 40

A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. ## Footnote None

Question 41

Behavior

Answer 41

The actions or reactions of an organism in response to external or internal stimuli. ## Footnote None

Question 42

Excitation

Answer 42

The process by which a nerve or muscle cell becomes activated, usually by an increase in electrical activity. ## Footnote None

Question 43

Inhibition

Answer 43

The process by which a nerve or muscle cell is prevented from becoming active, often by decreasing electrical activity. ## Footnote None

Question 44

Ischemic Stroke

Answer 44

caused by the interruption of blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain tissue damage. ## Footnote Example sentence: He suffered an ischemic stroke last year.

Question 45

Tourette Syndrome

Answer 45

A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. ## Footnote Additional information: Tourette Syndrome often begins in childhood.

Question 46

Behavior

Answer 46

The actions or reactions of an organism in response to external or internal stimuli. ## Footnote Example sentence: The behavior of the monkeys was observed in the wild.

Question 47

Excitation

Answer 47

The process by which a nerve or muscle cell becomes activated, usually by an increase in electrical activity. ## Footnote Additional information: Excitation is essential for muscle contraction.

Question 48

Inhibition

Answer 48

The process by which a nerve or muscle cell is prevented from becoming active, often by decreasing electrical activity. ## Footnote Example sentence: The drug acts by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes.

Question 49

Law of Bell and Magendie

Answer 49

The principle stating that the dorsal roots of spinal nerves carry sensory information into the spinal cord, while the ventral roots carry motor information out. ## Footnote Additional information: Named after Charles Bell and François Magendie.

Question 50

Neuroplasticity

Answer 50

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience, injury, or learning. ## Footnote Example sentence: Neuroplasticity plays a role in recovery after brain injury.

Question 51

Phenotypic Plasticity

Answer 51

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental influences. ## Footnote Additional information: Phenotypic plasticity is important for survival in changing environments.

Question 52

Dualism

Answer 52

The philosophical idea that the mind and body are distinct and separable entities. ## Footnote Example sentence: Descartes was a proponent of dualism.

Question 53

Materialism

Answer 53

The doctrine that only material things (physical matter) are real, and everything can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena. ## Footnote Additional information: Materialism contrasts with dualism.

Question 54

Meme

Answer 54

A unit of cultural information spread by imitation. ## Footnote Example sentence: The internet is full of viral memes.

Question 55

Nerve

Answer 55

A bundle of fibers (axons) that transmits electrical signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. ## Footnote Additional information: Nerves can be sensory, motor, or mixed.

Question 56

Neuronal Circuit

Answer 56

A network of interconnected neurons that process specific kinds of information. ## Footnote Example sentence: The visual neuronal circuit is responsible for processing visual information.

Question 57

Orienting Movement

Answer 57

Movements or postures by which an organism positions itself in response to sensory stimuli. ## Footnote Additional information: Orienting movements help organisms navigate their environment.

Question 58

Parasympathetic Division

Answer 58

The part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy by slowing down the heart rate and increasing intestinal and gland activity. ## Footnote Example sentence: The parasympathetic division is active during rest and digestion.

Question 59

Sympathetic Division

Answer 59

The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles. ## Footnote Additional information: The sympathetic division is responsible for the body's stress response.

Question 60

Vertebrae (sing. Vertebra)

Answer 60

The series of small bones that form the backbone and protect the spinal cord. ## Footnote Example sentence: The vertebrae provide structural support for the body.

Question 61

Vomeronasal Organ (VNO)

Answer 61

A sensory organ involved in the detection of pheromones and chemical signals, primarily in animals. ## Footnote Additional information: The VNO plays a role in social and reproductive behaviors in many species.