Anatomy - CNS Flashcards
What are the 4 divisions of the Brain?
Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Brainstem, Cerebellum
What is the Function of the Cerebrum?
Higher cognitive functions, sensory perception, voluntary motor actions, and emotions
What is the Function of the Diencephalon?
Includes the thalamus (sensory relay), hypothalamus (homeostasis and endocrine control), and epithalamus (sleep/wake cycle).
What is the Function of the Brainstem?
Basic life functions like heart rate, breathing, and reflexes.
What is the Function of the Cerebellum?
Balance, fine motor movements (smaller scale movements such as typing or writing)
What parts of the brain does the Brainstem consist of?
Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
What is White Matter & Where is it Located?
Contains myelinated axons for transmitting signals.
Found deep in the brain (beneath gray matter) and in the outer spinal cord.
What is Grey Matter & Where is it Located?
Contains neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.
Found on the surface of the brain (cerebral cortex) and in the inner spinal cord.
Why do we have Gyri and Sulci?
Increase the surface area of the cerebral cortex, allowing more neurons to fit in the limited space of the skull.
This ENHANCES cognitive processing.
What is the function of cerebrum gray matter areas?
Motor Areas: Control voluntary movements
(ex: Primary Motor Cortex).
Sensory Areas: Interpret sensory information
(ex: Primary Somatosensory Cortex).
Association Areas: Integrate and interpret information
(ex: Prefrontal Cortex for decision-making).
What is the Primary Motor Cortex?
Controls voluntary movements of specific body parts.
What is the Primary Somatosensory Cortex?
Processes sensory input from specific body parts.
What steps and areas are involved in carrying out a motor action?
- Basal Nuclei: Initiate and regulate movement.
- Motor Cortex: Sends commands to execute movements.
- Cerebellum: Refines movements for precision and balance.
- Spinal Cord: Transmits signals to peripheral nerves.
- Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ): Motor neurons release acetylcholine, causing muscle contraction.
What is the function of the Basal Nuclei?
Regulate voluntary motor movements
What is the function of the Limbic System?
Involved in emotions, memory, and behavior.