Glossary

Browse our collection of terms and definitions

Macro Neuro Anatomy (27 terms)

A

Amygdala

An almond-shaped structure involved in emotion and memory.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates unconscious bodily functions.

B

Basal Ganglia

Nuclei involved in motor control and learning.

Blood Brain Barrier

A selective barrier protecting the central nervous system.

Brain

The main organ of the nervous system.

Brain Stem

The posterior part of the brain controlling basic life functions.

C

Central Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord that processes and integrates information.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning.

Cerebral Cortex

The brain's outer layer essential for higher cognitive functions.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid providing buoyancy and protection to the brain and spinal cord.

E

Enteric Nervous System

The nervous system embedded in the gastrointestinal tract.

F

Frontal Lobe

Executes conscious thinking, decision-making, and motor control.

H

Hippocampus

A seahorse-shaped structure essential for memory consolidation.

HPA Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulating stress response.

Hypothalamus

Links the nervous and endocrine systems.

L

Limbic System

Brain structures involved in emotional processes and memory.

N

Nervous System

The complex network of nerves and cells that convey information to and from the brain.

O

Occipital Lobe

Contains most of the visual cortex.

P

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Controls rest-and-digest functions.

Parietal Lobe

Integrates sensory information including touch and spatial awareness.

Peripheral Nervous System

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Prefrontal Cortex

The front part of the frontal lobe involved in executive function.

S

Somatic Nervous System

The system handling sensory reception and voluntary movement.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Manages fight-or-flight responses.

T

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and visual interpretation.

Thalamus

A relay station for sensory and motor signals.

V

Vagus Nerve

The longest cranial nerve controlling heart, lungs, and digestion.