A brain glossary consists of terms related to the anatomy, physiology, and functions of the brain. Here are some common terms found in a brain glossary:
- Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary movement.
- Cerebellum: Located at the back of the brain, the cerebellum is responsible for coordination, balance, and motor control.
- Brainstem: The base of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and arousal.
- Neuron: The basic functional unit of the nervous system, consisting of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon, responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals.
- Synapse: The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released from the axon of one neuron to the dendrites of another, allowing for communication between neurons.
- Gray Matter: The outer layer of the brain composed of neuronal cell bodies and dendrites, involved in processing and integrating sensory information and higher cognitive functions.
- White Matter: Located beneath the gray matter, white matter consists of myelinated axons that form neural pathways, allowing for communication between different brain regions.
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprising the brain and spinal cord, the CNS coordinates and processes sensory information, controls voluntary and involuntary actions, and regulates bodily functions.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Consisting of nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord, the PNS connects the CNS to the limbs and organs, transmitting sensory information and controlling voluntary movements.
- Limbic System: A group of brain structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.
- Frontal Lobe: Located at the front of the brain, the frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, planning, and impulse control.
- Temporal Lobe: Located on the sides of the brain, the temporal lobe is involved in auditory processing, memory, and language comprehension.
- Parietal Lobe: Located behind the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and spatial awareness.
- Occipital Lobe: Located at the back of the brain, the occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing and interpretation.
- Broca’s Area: Located in the frontal lobe, Broca’s area is involved in speech production and language processing.
- Wernicke’s Area: Located in the temporal lobe, Wernicke’s area is involved in language comprehension and understanding.
These are just a few terms commonly found in a brain glossary, providing a basic understanding of the structure and function of the brain.