Anatomy Of The Brain Flashcards
Cerebral Cortex
Outer part of the brain
Gyrus
Bumps on the surface of the brain
Sulcus
Sunken part (surcos) in the brain
Where are the four lobes located?
Frontal Lobe: front
Parietal Lobe: middle
Temporal Lobe: side
Occipital Lobe: back
Functions of Frontal Lobe
Reasoning, motor skills, higher-level cognition, and expressive language
Motor cortex
Located in the frontal lobe, it carries out movements
Functions of Parietal Lobe
Processing tactile sensory information like touch and pain
Somatosensory cortex
Located in the parietal lobe, it involves the senses
Functions of Temporal Lobe
Processing sounds and language, and encoding memory
Primary auditory cortex
Located in the temporal lobe, process sounds and language
Hippocampus
Located in the temporal lobe, in charge of learning and memory
Functions of the Occipital Lobe
Interpreting visual stimuli and information
Primary visual cortex
Receives and interprets information from the retinas
Structure of the Brainstem
The brainstem is the most inferior portion of the brain,. It is composed of the medulla oblongata (lower part), midbrain (top part), and pons.
Midbrain
Located in the brainstem and mesencephalon, it is associated with visual and auditory systems and information, eye movement, and body movement (red nucleus and substantia nigra).
Medulla Oblongata
Located in the brainstem and myelencephalon, it is in charge of the vital autonomic functions like the cardiac, respiratory, and vomiting centers regulating heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
Pons
Located in the brainstem and part of the mesencephalon, it carries signals connecting the cerebral cortex, the medulla, and the cerebellum.
Cerebellum
Receives information from the balance system of the inner ear, sensory nerves, and auditory and visual systems. It’s also involved in the coordination of movements, motor learning, and cognitive functions.
Thalamus
Processes and transmits movement and sensory information
Hypothalamus
It controls hunger, thirst, emotions, body temperature, circadian rhythms, and the pituitary gland.
The Limbic System
It’s in charge of emotional and behavioral responses
Structure of the Limbic System
Amygdala, Hippocampus, Septal Area, and regions of the limbic cortex.
Basal Ganglia
It’s large nuclei that partially surround the thalamus and control movement.
