BIO1: Brain Structure + Function

Question 1

What are neurons?

Answer 1

Functional units, CNS contains more than 10¹¹

• Sensory - periphery to the CNS
• Motor - CNS to periphery
• Interneurons - sensory to motor

Question 2

What are Glial cells?

Answer 2

Surround neurons + provide support + insulation

Question 3

Types of Glial cells

Answer 3

• Astocytes - many processes
• Microglia - immune function
• Oligodendrocytes - provide structural support

Question 4

What are Meninges?

Answer 4

Protect brain from damage

Question 5

What is subarachnoid space?

Answer 5

Interval between arachnoid membrane + pia mater

Question 6

What are brain ventricles filled with?

Answer 6

Cerebrospinal fluid

Question 7

Why is folic acid important?

Answer 7

Important to decrease risk of having a pregnancy affected by spina bifida + anencephaly

Question 8

Where is the brainstem + what does it include?

Answer 8

Posterior part of the brain which includes the:

• Midbrain
• Pons
• Medulla

Question 9

What is the function of the medulla?

Answer 9

Centre for respiration + circulation

Question 10

What is the function of Pons?

Answer 10

Bridge between differen brain regions

Assist in controlling autonomic function

Sleep + arousal

Question 11

What is the function of the Midbrain?

Answer 11

• Controls body movement
• Location for substantia nigra
• Relay auditory + visual information

Question 12

Why is it important that we should avoid damaging the brainstem?

Answer 12

• Permits consciousness
• Responsible for respiration
• Maintains BP

Question 13

What condition is due to the injury of Pons?

Answer 13

Locked-in syndrome

Question 14

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 14

Coordinates fine muscle movement + balance

• Impairment leads to ataxia (unsteadiness)

Question 15

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 15

Integrated function = regulates cardiovascular + temperature, feeding, drinking, sexual behaviour, sleep, aggression

• Gives rise to the pituitary gland which is responsible for hormone release

Question 16

What conditions can occur if the hypothalamus ‘goes wrong’?

Answer 16

• Cannabis ‘munchies’
• Erectile dysfunction
• Anorexia
• Diabetes Insipidus
• Developmental disorders

Question 17

What is the function of the Thalamus?

Answer 17

Brain’s sensory switchboard

• Relays sensory information to + from cortical regions

Question 18

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Answer 18

Connects left + right brain hemisphere

Agenesis of corpus callosum

Question 19

Cerebral cortex is the largest + highly developed brain region, which is divided into multiple lobes.

Describe each lobe

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Why is the basal ganglia important?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Name each lobe of the cerebral cortex in the diagram

Question 22

Describe formation of neurones + glial cells

Answer 22

Question 23

Name each region of the brain

Question 24

What comprises of the limbic system?

Question 25

How do neurones communicate?