Ch 12: The CNS

central nervous system-

}  Brain + Spinal Cord

central cavity-

Part of the CNS. It remains continuous and enlarges in 4 areas to form the fluid filled ventricles of the brain

gray matter-

consists of short, nonmyelinated neurons (Mostly neuron cell bodies)

white matter-

            Unmyelinated and myelinated covering of fiber tracts

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Hypothalamus

}  Very important in homeostasis

-Autonomic control center

-Regulates ANS

-Blood pressure, heart rate, digestive tract, pupil size, etc.

-Center for emotional response

-“heart” of limbic system

-i.e. fear-pounding heart, dry mouth, pallor, high blood pressure, sweating…

Meninges-

}  Three connective tissue membranes

}  Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

}  Cover and protect the CNS

}  Protect blood vessels and enclose venous sinuses

}  Contain CSF

}  Form partitions in the skull

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Some text here about the topic of discussion

dura mater-

}  “tough mother”

}  Strongest layer

}  Two layer sheet around the brain (not spinal cord, only one there)

arachnoid mater-

}  Forms a loose brain covering

}  Doesn’t dip into the sulci

}  Contains subdural space and subarachnoid space

 pia mater-

}  “gentle mother”

}  Many tiny blood vessels

}  Clings to the brain itself