Directional Terms
toward the head or from a high position
Superior
consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain, is continuous with the spinal cord and lies inferiorly to the cerebral hemispheres
Brainstem
bringing structures together
Adduct
12 pairs of these
Cranial nerves
toward the feet or from a low position
Inferior
lies just posterior to the pons, is involved in the coordination and precision of fine motor movement.
Cerebellum
moving structures apart
Abduct
31 pairs of these
spinal nerves
toward the belly
Anterior
acts as a relay station for sensory fibers
Thalamus
bending of a joint
Flexion
lubricate speech structures like the oral cavity and vocal cords
Salivary Glands
toward the back
Posterior
regulates various body functions (e.g., body temperature)
Hypothalamus
straightening of a joint
Extension
regulation of organs and glands
Parasympathetic functions
toward the midline of the body
Medial
regulates genital development, the sleep–wake cycle, and optic reflexes.
Epithalamus
Lying with ventral surface up
Supine
have specialized organs devoted to them, and include vision, hearing, taste, and smell.
special sensory experiences