5.2 Structure and function of the brain Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of tough membranes called underneath the tissue of the cranium?
Meninges that connect the brain to the skull.
What do the meninges contain?
Cerebrospinal fluid that provides a cushion between the brain and the skull. Also provide structure for important blood vessels.
What does the forebrain contain?
Contains the cerebral cortex, the corpus callosum, and the hypothalamus. It is the largest and most obvious part of the brains mass
What is the midbrain?
It lies on top of the brainstem and is involved in visual and auditory processing.
What is the hindbrain?
Located at the back of the head and looks like an extension of the spinal cord. It contains the medulla and the cerebellum.
What does the grey matter form (outer layer of the brain)?
Cerebral cortex
What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?
Complex thinking, reasoning, and processing of sensory information
Why does the grey matter have many folds?
Because they add to surface area so large amounts of information can be processed
What is the cortex divided into?
The left hemisphere and the right hemisphere
Even though the two hemisphere’s are separated, how are they still connected?
Via a thick bundle of nerve fibres called the corpus callosum which allows both hemispheres to communicate with each other.
What is the frontal lobe?
The largest lobe of the brain and make up about 1/3 of the surface area of each hemisphere.
What is the function of the frontal lobe?
Voluntary movements, production of speech, expression of emotion, cognitive processes such as decision making.
Where is the hypothalamus?
Underneath the cerebral cortex
What does the hypothalamus control?
Controls the endocrine system- regulates the hormone releasing gland within the body.
What is the lowest part of the brain stem?
The Medulla- where the brain meets the spinal cord.
