BIO1: Brain Structure + Function Flashcards
What are neurons?
Functional units, CNS contains more than 1011
- Sensory - periphery to the CNS
- Motor - CNS to periphery
- Interneurons - sensory to motor
What are Glial cells?
Surround neurons + provide support + insulation
Types of Glial cells
- Astocytes - many processes
- Microglia - immune function
- Oligodendrocytes - provide structural support
What are Meninges?
Protect brain from damage
What is subarachnoid space?
Interval between arachnoid membrane + pia mater
What are brain ventricles filled with?
Cerebrospinal fluid
Why is folic acid important?
Important to decrease risk of having a pregnancy affected by spina bifida + anencephaly
Where is the brainstem + what does it include?
Posterior part of the brain which includes the:
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla
What is the function of the medulla?
Centre for respiration + circulation
What is the function of Pons?
Bridge between differen brain regions
Assist in controlling autonomic function
Sleep + arousal
What is the function of the Midbrain?
- Controls body movement
- Location for substantia nigra
- Relay auditory + visual information
Why is it important that we should avoid damaging the brainstem?
- Permits consciousness
- Responsible for respiration
- Maintains BP
What condition is due to the injury of Pons?
Locked-in syndrome
What is the function of the cerebellum?
Coordinates fine muscle movement + balance
- Impairment leads to ataxia (unsteadiness)
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Integrated function = regulates cardiovascular + temperature, feeding, drinking, sexual behaviour, sleep, aggression
- Gives rise to the pituitary gland which is responsible for hormone release
What conditions can occur if the hypothalamus ‘goes wrong’?
- Cannabis ‘munchies’
- Erectile dysfunction
- Anorexia
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Developmental disorders
What is the function of the Thalamus?
Brain’s sensory switchboard
- Relays sensory information to + from cortical regions
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
Connects left + right brain hemisphere
Agenesis of corpus callosum
Cerebral cortex is the largest + highly developed brain region, which is divided into multiple lobes.
Describe each lobe
Frontal lobe
- prefrontal cortex = intelluctual function, emotional behaviour
- motor cortex = contains premotor + primary motor cortex
Parietal lobe
- Processes information linked with taste, temperature, touch, knowledge of numbers, orientation
Occipital lobe
- concerned with processing of visual information
Temporal lobe
- contains primary auditory cortex
- visual cognition due to close link with occipital lobe
Why is the basal ganglia important?
Important for movement
- linked with cerebral cortex
- initiates + coordinates activities e.g. walking
- inhibits unwanted movement
- in parkinson’s, movement control is disrupted due to death of basal ganglia neurones
Name each lobe of the cerebral cortex in the diagram
Describe formation of neurones + glial cells
Name each region of the brain
What comprises of the limbic system?
How do neurones communicate?
