13.2 Flashcards
Which structure separates the cerebrum into two distinct halves?
A) Corpus callosum
B) Longitudinal fissure
C) Central sulcus
D) Temporal lobe
B) Longitudinal fissure
Explanation: The longitudinal fissure separates the cerebrum into the right and left cerebral hemispheres.
The cerebellum is responsible for higher neurological functions such as memory and emotion.
True
False
False
Explanation: Higher neurological functions such as memory and emotion are a result of cerebral function, not the cerebellum.
The _______ is the primary motor cortex.
A) Precentral gyrus
B) Postcentral gyrus
C) Frontal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
A) Precentral gyrus
Explanation: The precentral gyrus is the primary motor cortex, responsible for voluntary movements.
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
A) It separates the two hemispheres of the brain.
B) It provides a major pathway for communication between the two hemispheres.
C) It is responsible for higher cognitive functions.
D) It controls sensory information.
B) It provides a major pathway for communication between the two hemispheres.
Explanation: The corpus callosum is a band of white matter that connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum, facilitating communication between them.
The limbic cortex is a region of the cerebral cortex involved in emotion, memory, and behavior.
True
False
True
Explanation: The limbic cortex is indeed involved in emotion, memory, and behavior, forming part of the limbic system.
The _______ is responsible for processing visual information.
A) Frontal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Temporal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
D) Occipital lobe
Explanation: The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual perception and processing.
Which lobe is associated with primary auditory sensation?
A) Frontal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Temporal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
C) Temporal lobe
Explanation: The temporal lobe is associated with processing auditory information and is also important for memory.
Broca’s area is involved in the production of speech and is typically located on the left side of the brain.
True
False
True
Explanation: Broca’s area is involved in speech production and is usually located in the left hemisphere of the brain.
The _______ is responsible for somatosensation, which includes touch, pressure, tickle, pain, itch, and vibration.
A) Occipital lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Temporal lobe
D) Frontal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
Explanation: The parietal lobe processes somatosensory information, including tactile sensations and proprioception.
Which of the following is true about the prefrontal cortex?
A) It is primarily associated with motor functions.
B) It is involved in planning movements.
C) It serves cognitive functions related to personality, short-term memory, and consciousness.
D) It processes visual information.
C) It serves cognitive functions related to personality, short-term memory, and consciousness.
Explanation: The prefrontal cortex is involved in complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior.
Which areas of the brain are responsible for primary motor cortex function?
A) Areas 1, 2, 3
B) Areas 4, 6
C) Areas 17, 18
D) Areas 41, 42
B) Areas 4, 6
Explanation: Areas 4 and 6 are responsible for the primary motor cortex function, which controls voluntary muscle movements.
The hippocampus and amygdala are involved in long-term memory formation and emotional responses.
True
False
True
Explanation: The hippocampus and amygdala are medial-lobe structures involved in long-term memory formation and emotional responses.
The _______ nucleus is a long nucleus that follows the basic C-shape of the cerebrum from the frontal lobe through the parietal and occipital lobes into the temporal lobe.
A) Putamen
B) Globus pallidus
C) Caudate
D) Subthalamic
C) Caudate
Explanation: The caudate nucleus follows the basic C-shape of the cerebrum from the frontal lobe through the parietal and occipital lobes into the temporal lobe.
What is the function of the basal nuclei?
A) They are responsible for sensory processing.
B) They control motor movements.
C) They are involved in language production.
D) They process visual information.
B) They control motor movements.
Explanation: The basal nuclei are sets of nuclei in the cerebrum responsible for controlling motor movements and comparing cortical processing with the general state of activity in the nervous system.
The indirect pathway of the basal nuclei inhibits the thalamus, leading to decreased motor activity.
True
False
True
Explanation: The indirect pathway of the basal nuclei inhibits the thalamus, leading to decreased motor activity by reinforcing the normal inhibition of the thalamus.
The _______ is responsible for the release of dopamine in the basal nuclei pathways.
A) Subthalamic nucleus
B) Globus pallidus
C) Substantia nigra pars compacta
D) Putamen
C) Substantia nigra pars compacta
Explanation: The substantia nigra pars compacta projects to the striatum and releases dopamine, which influences both the direct and indirect pathways of the basal nuclei.
Which neurotransmitter is primarily used in the inhibitory pathways of the basal nuclei?
A) Glutamate
B) Dopamine
C) GABA
D) Acetylcholine
C) GABA
Explanation: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary neurotransmitter used in the inhibitory pathways of the basal nuclei, hyperpolarizing target cells and reducing their likelihood of firing.
The direct pathway of the basal nuclei is inhibited by dopamine.
True
False
False
Explanation: The direct pathway of the basal nuclei is activated by dopamine, whereas the indirect pathway is inhibited by dopamine.
The _______ nucleus projects to the thalamus in both the direct and indirect pathways of the basal nuclei.
A) Globus pallidus internal segment (GPi)
B) Caudate
C) Putamen
D) Subthalamic nucleus
A) Globus pallidus internal segment (GPi)
Explanation: The globus pallidus internal segment (GPi) projects to the thalamus in both the direct and indirect pathways of the basal nuclei.
What is the role of the thalamus in the basal nuclei pathways?
A) It processes sensory information.
B) It acts as a relay station to the cortex.
C) It inhibits motor activity.
D) It releases dopamine.
B) It acts as a relay station to the cortex.
Explanation: The thalamus acts as a relay station in the basal nuclei pathways, projecting information back to the cortex and influencing motor activity based on the inputs from the basal nuclei.
The idea that people are “right-brained” or “left-brained” is an oversimplification of how the cerebral hemispheres function.
True
False
True
Explanation: The concept of being “right-brained” or “left-brained” is a myth. While certain functions are more dominant in one hemisphere, many functions, such as language, are distributed across the cerebrum.
Which structure in the brain is primarily associated with the regulation of homeostasis?
A) Thalamus
B) Hypothalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Hippocampus
B) Hypothalamus
Explanation: The hypothalamus is a collection of nuclei involved in regulating homeostasis, controlling the autonomic nervous system, and the endocrine system.
The _______ is responsible for relaying information between the cerebral cortex and the periphery, spinal cord, or brain stem.
A) Hippocampus
B) Thalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Medulla
B) Thalamus
Explanation: The thalamus is a collection of nuclei that relay sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex and other parts of the brain.
What is the primary role of the brain stem?
A) Memory formation
B) Sensory processing
C) Connecting the brain to the spinal cord and regulating crucial functions
D) Emotional responses
C) Connecting the brain to the spinal cord and regulating crucial functions
Explanation: The brain stem, which includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla, connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates vital functions such as cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The diencephalon includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, which together define the walls of the third ventricle.
True
False
True
Explanation: The diencephalon is composed of the thalamus and hypothalamus, and these structures form the walls of the third ventricle.
The _______ coordinates sensory representations of the visual, auditory, and somatosensory perceptual spaces.
A) Pons
B) Medulla
C) Midbrain
D) Cerebellum
C) Midbrain
Explanation: The midbrain is responsible for coordinating sensory representations of the visual, auditory, and somatosensory perceptual spaces.
Which structure is the main connection between the cerebellum and the brain stem?
A) Thalamus
B) Pons
C) Midbrain
D) Medulla
B) Pons
Explanation: The pons is the main connection between the cerebellum and the brain stem.
Damage to the right side of the brain can result in a loss of ability to understand figurative aspects of speech, such as jokes, irony, or metaphors.
True
False
True
Explanation: Damage to the right side of the brain can affect the ability to understand figurative aspects of speech and nonverbal aspects such as facial expression or body language.
The _______ is separated into the tectum and tegmentum.
A) Thalamus
B) Hypothalamus
C) Midbrain
D) Cerebellum
C) Midbrain
Explanation: The midbrain is separated into the tectum (roof) and tegmentum (floor).
Which part of the diencephalon includes the subthalamic nucleus?
A) Thalamus
B) Epithalamus
C) Hypothalamus
D) Subthalamus
D) Subthalamus
Explanation: The subthalamus, which is part of the diencephalon, includes the subthalamic nucleus that is involved in regulating movements.
What is the function of the inferior colliculus?
A) It is involved in visual processing.
B) It is part of the auditory brain stem pathway.
C) It coordinates motor functions.
D) It processes olfactory information.
B) It is part of the auditory brain stem pathway.
Explanation: The inferior colliculus is the inferior pair of the colliculi and is involved in the auditory brain stem pathway, sending auditory information to the cerebrum.
The superior colliculus integrates visual and auditory information to orient the eyes towards a stimulus.
True
False
True
Explanation: The superior colliculus combines sensory information about visual space, auditory space, and somatosensory space to orient the eyes towards a stimulus.
The _______ is the main connection between the cerebellum and the brain stem.
A) Pons
B) Medulla
C) Midbrain
D) Inferior olive
A) Pons
Explanation: The pons is the main connection between the cerebellum and the brain stem, containing nuclei that receive and send information through cranial nerves.
Which structure is responsible for comparing sensory information with motor commands to ensure coordinated movement?
A) Thalamus
B) Hypothalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Medulla
C) Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum compares sensory feedback from muscles and joints with the motor commands from the cerebrum to ensure coordinated movement.
The reticular formation is related to sleep and wakefulness.
True
False
True
Explanation: The reticular formation is a diffuse region of gray matter throughout the brain stem that is related to sleep and wakefulness, as well as general brain activity and attention.
The _______ is the continuation of the spinal cord in the brain stem and is responsible for processing cranial nerve information.
A) Midbrain
B) Pons
C) Medulla
D) Thalamus
C) Medulla
Explanation: The medulla is the continuation of the spinal cord in the brain stem and processes cranial nerve information, playing a crucial role in autonomic functions.
What is the primary function of the spinal cord?
A) Memory formation
B) Sensory processing
C) Connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system
D) Language production
C) Connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system
Explanation: The spinal cord connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system, transmitting sensory and motor information between the brain and the body.
The anterior median fissure marks the anterior midline of the spinal cord.
True
False
True
Explanation: The anterior median fissure marks the anterior midline of the spinal cord, while the posterior median sulcus marks the posterior midline.
The _______ is a bundle of nerves that resembles a horse’s tail and extends from the lower end of the spinal cord.
A) Cauda equina
B) Corpus callosum
C) Arbor vitae
D) Subthalamic nucleus
A) Cauda equina
Explanation: The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves that extends from the lower end of the spinal cord and resembles a horse’s tail, continuing to grow with the vertebral column.
Which regions of the spinal cord contain the lateral horn?
A) Cervical and thoracic
B) Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral
C) Lumbar and sacral
D) Cervical and lumbar
B) Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral
Explanation: The lateral horn, which contains cell bodies of motor neurons of the autonomic nervous system, is found in the thoracic, upper lumbar, and sacral regions of the spinal cord.
What is the primary role of the posterior (dorsal) columns in the spinal cord?
A) Carry motor commands from the brain
B) Carry sensory information up to the brain
C) Process visual information
D) Connect the brain to the cerebellum
B) Carry sensory information up to the brain
Explanation: The posterior columns of the spinal cord are composed of axons of ascending tracts that carry sensory information up to the brain.
The anterior (ventral) columns carry motor commands down from the brain to the spinal cord.
True
False
True
Explanation: The anterior (ventral) columns of the spinal cord are composed of axons that carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord to control peripheral output.
The _______ is responsible for releasing dopamine into the striatum and is affected in Parkinson’s disease.
A) Subthalamic nucleus
B) Caudate nucleus
C) Substantia nigra pars compacta
D) Globus pallidus
C) Substantia nigra pars compacta
Explanation: The substantia nigra pars compacta releases dopamine into the striatum, and its degeneration is associated with Parkinson’s disease.
What is the function of the basal nuclei?
A) Process sensory information
B) Regulate motor movements
C) Control hormone release
D) Facilitate language production
B) Regulate motor movements
Explanation: The basal nuclei regulate motor movements by processing and integrating cortical input and generating movement commands.
Parkinson’s disease is a hypokinetic disorder caused by increased activity of the indirect pathway of the basal nuclei.
True
False
True
Explanation: Parkinson’s disease is a hypokinetic disorder characterized by increased activity of the indirect pathway of the basal nuclei, resulting in reduced movement.
The primary treatment for increasing dopamine levels in the striatum for Parkinson’s disease is _______.
A) Acetylcholine
B) GABA
C) L-DOPA
D) Serotonin
C) L-DOPA
Explanation: The primary treatment for increasing dopamine levels in the striatum for Parkinson’s disease is L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Which structure in the spinal cord appears as an “H” shape in cross-section?
A) White matter
B) Gray matter
C) Posterior columns
D) Anterior columns
B) Gray matter
Explanation: The gray matter of the spinal cord appears as an “H” shape in cross-section, with the posterior, anterior, and lateral horns.
Ascending tracts carry sensory information to the brain, while descending tracts carry motor commands from the brain.
True
False
True
Explanation: Ascending tracts in the spinal cord carry sensory information to the brain, while descending tracts carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord.
The _______ columns are located between the posterior horns and the axons of the anterior horn neurons.
A) Posterior
B) Anterior
C) Lateral
D) Central
C) Lateral
Explanation: The lateral columns of the spinal cord are located between the posterior horns and the axons of the anterior horn neurons, containing both ascending and descending tracts.
What is the role of the substantia nigra pars compacta in the direct and indirect pathways of the basal nuclei?
A) Inhibits motor commands
B) Releases dopamine to modulate these pathways
C) Processes sensory information
D) Facilitates language production
B) Releases dopamine to modulate these pathways
Explanation: The substantia nigra pars compacta releases dopamine to modulate the direct and indirect pathways of the basal nuclei, influencing motor control.
Match the brain structure with its description or function.
A) Thalamus
B) Midbrain
C) Hypothalamus
D) Medulla Oblongata
E) Pons
- Sorts, edits and relays information ascending to the cerebral cortex
- Controls the autonomic nervous system
- Primarily composed of conduction tracts that connect higher brain centers and spinal cord, relay impulses between motor cortex and cerebellum.
- Many of its functions overlap with the hypothalamus - plays a critical role as an autonomic reflex center (respiratory, vasomotor etc.) involved with maintaining body homeostasis.
- Involved in pain suppression; participates in fight-or-flight response; coordinate head and eye movements; relay sounds from hearing receptors to the sensory cortex
A) Thalamus
1. Sorts, edits and relays information ascending to the cerebral cortex
B) Midbrain
5. Involved in pain suppression; participates in fight-or-flight response; coordinate head and eye movements; relay sounds from hearing receptors to the sensory cortex
C) Hypothalamus
2. Controls the autonomic nervous system
D) Medulla Oblongata
4. Many of its functions overlap with the hypothalamus - plays a critical role as an autonomic reflex center (respiratory, vasomotor etc.) involved with maintaining body homeostasis.
E) Pons
3. Primarily composed of conduction tracts that connect higher brain centers and spinal cord, relay impulses between motor cortex and cerebellum
What three structures make up the diencephalon?
A) Thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus
B) Thalamus, midbrain, pons
C) Hypothalamus, pituitary gland, epithalamus
D) Hypothalamus, pineal gland, medulla
A) Thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus
Explanation: The diencephalon is a division of the brain that is located beneath the cerebral hemispheres and consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. These structures play vital roles in processing sensory information, regulating autonomic functions, and linking the nervous system to the endocrine system.
The primary function of the cerebellum is:
A) Involvement with pain suppression and the fight-or-flight response
B) To coordinate skeletal muscle contractions to allow for smooth, coordinated movement
C) To sort, edit and relay ascending information
D) The site of our “conscious” mind
B) To coordinate skeletal muscle contractions to allow for smooth, coordinated movement
Explanation: The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech, resulting in smooth and balanced muscular activity. It does not initiate movement but contributes to coordination, precision, and accurate timing.
What is the primary function of the brain stem?
A) To sort, edit and relay ascending information
B) To provides the timing and appropriate patterns of skeletal muscle contraction to allow smooth, coordinated movements
C) To control automatic behaviors necessary for survival
D) To produce melanin
C) To control automatic behaviors necessary for survival
Explanation: The brain stem is responsible for controlling many of the automatic functions necessary for survival, such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and serves as a relay center connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord.
Most cranial nerves extend from the brain stem.
True False
True
Explanation: Most of the cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain stem. The brain stem is the origin point for 10 of the 12 cranial nerves, which are essential for functions like facial sensation and movement, hearing, taste, and swallowing.
Functional brain systems, such as the reticular system, are networks found within very broad regions of the brain.
True False
True
Explanation: Functional brain systems, like the reticular formation, are networks of neurons that span wide areas of the brain. The reticular system, for example, extends through the central core of the brain stem and is involved in regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions, filtering incoming stimuli to discriminate irrelevant background stimuli, and maintaining consciousness.
Identify the brainstem structure labelled “B”:
A) medulla
B) pons
C) midbrain
B) pons
Identify the brainstem structure labelled “A”:
A) medulla
B) pons
C) midbrain
C) midbrain
Identify the brainstem structure labelled “C”:
A) medulla
B) pons
C) midbrain
A) medulla
