6. Brain Flashcards
Connects the spinal cord to the remainder of the brain
Brainstem
The most inferior portion of the brainstem
Contains ascending and descending nerve tracts which convey signals to other regions of the brain
Medulla oblongata
Extend the length of the medulla oblongata
Consist of descending nerve tracts which transmit action potentials from the brain
Pyramids
Superior to the medulla oblongata
Contains ascending and descending nerve tracts
Pons
Superior to the pons
Smallest region of the brainstem
Midbrain
Dorsal part of the midbrain consists of four mounds called the______
Colliculi
Midbrain contains a black nuclear mass called ______
Substantia nigra
Group of nuclei collectively called the _______
Reticular formation- plays important regulatory functions
Plays an important role in arousing and maintaining consciousness and in regulating sleep-wake cycle
Reticular activating system
Removal of visual or auditory stimuli may lead to ?
Drowsiness or sleep
Damage to the cells of the reticular formation can cause ?
Coma
Attached to the brainstem by several large connection called cerebellar peduncles
Cerebellum
These connections provide routes of communication
Cerebellar peduncles
Part of the brain between the brainstem and cerebrum
Main components: thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus
Diencephalon
Largest part of the diencephalon
Thalamus