15. Central Nervous System Flashcards
What are the 4 regions of the brain?
Cerebrum
Diencephalon
Brainstem
Cerebellum
What does the Cerebrum control?
Higher brain functions
Voluntary processes (somatic)
Personality
What are the functions of the Diencephalon?
Relay station between neuronal structures
Bridge between nervous system and endocrine system
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
Subconscious movements e.g. Balance
Co-ordinate somatic motor function e.g. co-ordination
What are the functions of the brain stem?
Autonomic nervous system
Cranial nerves
Regulates motivation, circadian rhythm, heart rate and breathing.
Where is the cerebrum located?
Housed within the neurocranium
Situated laterally + superior to diencephalon
What is the Falx Cerebri
A crescent shaped fold of dura mater which separates the 2 cerebrum hemispheres.
What is the Corpus Callosum?
A band of white matter which connects the 2 cerebrum hemispheres.
Where is the diencephalon located?
Centrally within the brain and encapsulates the 3rd ventricle.
Hypothalamus is immediately anterior to thalamus.
Attached to pituitary by infundibulum.
Connects the CNS with the endocrine system.
How does the diencephalon maintain homeostasis?
By regulating: Autonomic nervous system, temperature, hunger and thirst, circadian rhythm, emotional regulation, and reproductive behaviour.
Where is the cerebellum located?
In the posterior fossa of the skull.
Boarded superiorly to the cerebrum, anteriorly by the brain stem.
Connected to the brain stem by the cerebellar peduncles
Indented by the 4th ventricle anteriorly
Where is the brain stem located?
Arises from center of brain, directly inferior to diencephalon.
Attached posteriorly to the cerebellum at the pons.
Where are the cranial nerves located?
Paired nerves arising from brain stem
Innervate structures in head, neck - those vital for life
Exit through various foramen in the base of the skull
How is blood supplied to the brain?
-
What is the blood brain barrier?
A selectively permeable membrane which is responsible for maintaining microenvironment,
Transport channels allow nutrients to cross.
What are astrocytes?
Astrocytes are cells that regulate blood flow and transport channels.
What is the function of the ventricular system?
Store + circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
What are the 3 layers that the meninges consist of?
- Dura Mater
- Arachnoid Mater
- Pia Mater
