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Foundational Neuroanatomy Terms

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Axon

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An axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body. Axons are critical for the transmission of information throughout the nervous system.

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Amygdala

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The amygdala is an almond-shaped set of neurons located deep in the brain's medial temporal lobe. It is involved in several aspects of emotion, especially fear and pleasure. It is significant for the processing of emotions and emotional memories.

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Parietal Lobe

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The parietal lobe is one of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex. It is responsible for processing sensory information regarding the location of parts of the body as well as interpreting visual information and processing language and mathematics. It is significant for spatial orientation and perception of stimuli.

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Wernicke's Area

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Wernicke's area is located in the posterior section of the temporal lobe in the dominant cerebral hemisphere (usually the left). It is important for the development of language. Its significance lies in being involved with the comprehension of written and spoken language.

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Dendrite

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Dendrites are tree-like extensions at the beginning of a neuron that help increase the surface area for receiving signals from other neural cells. They are significant for receiving and integrating synaptic input.

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Cerebrum

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The cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain, associated with higher brain functions such as thought and action. It is divided into two hemispheres and is significant for processes such as cognition, sensory perception, and motor function.

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Myelin

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Myelin is the insulating sheath around many nerve fibers that increases the speed at which impulses propagate along the myelinated fiber. It is significant for efficient neural signaling.

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Sulcus

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A sulcus is a groove or furrow on the surface of the brain, often serving as a boundary between lobes or gyri. It is significant in increasing the surface area of the cerebral cortex, allowing for more neurons to be packed into the brain.

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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

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Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord. It is significant for providing a cushioning effect, protecting the central nervous system from injury, and removing waste products from the brain.

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Spinal Cord

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The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is significant for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

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Hypothalamus

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The hypothalamus is a neuroendocrine organ located below the thalamus. It controls a variety of important functions, such as releasing hormones, regulating body temperature, and maintaining daily physiological cycles. It is significant for the link it provides between the endocrine and nervous systems.

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Cerebellum

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The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. It also contributes to coordination, precision, and accurate timing. It is significant for maintaining balance and posture.

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Basal Ganglia

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The basal ganglia are a group of nuclei in the brain associated with a variety of functions, including the control of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, habit learning, eye movements, cognition, and emotion. They are significant for their role in movement regulation.

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Oligodendrocytes

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Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produce myelin, the substance that envelops axons to insulate them and increase the speed at which information travels from one neuron to another. They are significant for nerve fiber myelination in the central nervous system.

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Thalamus

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The thalamus is a small structure within the brain located just above the brainstem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain. It works to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex and is significant for the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness.

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Limbic System

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The limbic system is a complex set of structures located on both sides of the thalamus, just beneath the cerebrum. It includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. It is significant for its role in emotions, memories, and arousal (or stimulation).

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Neuron

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A neuron is a cell that transmits nerve impulses and is the fundamental unit of the nervous system. Its significance lies in its role in processing and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.

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Synapse

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A synapse is the junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle or gland cell, where signal transmission occurs. It is significant for communication within the nervous system.

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Glia

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Glia, also known as glial cells, are non-neuronal cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems that provide support and protection for neurons. They play critical roles in maintaining homeostasis and forming myelin.

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Gyrus

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A gyrus is a ridge on the cerebral cortex. It is surrounded by sulci (depressions or grooves) and is significant for increasing surface area and the amount of neural tissue within the cortex.

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Broca's Area

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Broca's area is a region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere (usually the left) of the hominid brain with functions linked to speech production. It is significant for its role in language processing and production.

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Schwann Cells

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Schwann cells are a type of glial cell located in the peripheral nervous system. They are responsible for the myelination of peripheral axons; also, Schwann cells play a vital role in the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers. They are significant for their role in nerve development and maintenance.

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Corpus Callosum

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The corpus callosum is a wide, flat bundle of neural fibers beneath the cortex. It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and enables communication between them. Its significance lies in integrating motor, sensory, and cognitive performances.

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Meninges

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The meninges are the three layers of protective tissue called the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater that enclose the brain and spinal cord. They are significant for protecting the central nervous system.

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Occipital Lobe

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The occipital lobe is the visual processing center of the mammalian brain containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex. It is located at the back portion of the brain and is significant for processing and interpreting visual information.

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Temporal Lobe

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The temporal lobe is one of the four main lobes of the cerebral cortex, located beneath the lateral fissure on both hemispheres of the brain. It is involved with the processing of auditory information, memory, and is significant for speech and language.

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Frontal Lobe

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The frontal lobe is the largest of the four major lobes of the cerebral cortex in the brain. It is located at the front of each hemisphere and is involved in voluntary movement, expressive language, and managing higher-level executive functions. It is significant for decision making and personality.

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Pituitary Gland

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The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. It is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls several other hormone glands in your body, such as the thyroid and adrenals. It is significant for its role in regulating critical body functions.

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Brainstem

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The brainstem is the posterior part of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. It contains structures that control vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and sleep cycles. It is crucial for the regulation of central life functions.

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Hippocampus

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The hippocampus is a major component of the brain located within the temporal lobe. It plays a central role in memory formation and spatial navigation. It is critical for the consolidation of information from short-term to long-term memory.

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