Brain Flashcards
What are the 3 connective tissue layers covering the brain and spinal cord?
Meninges: Pia mater (closest to CNS), arachnoid, dura mater
How are the two hemispheres connected?
By the corpus callosum
What is the cerebrum (Telencephalon)?
The largest part of the brain
Where is the cerebral cortex and what does it consist of?
It is on the surface of the cerebrum and consists of a thin layer of gray matter
What are Gyri and Sulci?
Gyri: Ridges on surface of the cerebrum
Sulci: the grooves on the surface of the cerebrum
What is the Diencephalon?
The diencephalon contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus
The function of the Hypothalamus:
Regulates anterior pituitary gland function, water balance, autonomic nervous system, eating/drinking
behavior, body temperature, reproductive system
What and where is the Pineal gland?
Structure in the upper posterior portion of diencephalon
-> regulation of circadian rhythms through the release of the hormone melatonin (sleep)
What is the Central sulcus?
Separates frontal and parietal lobes
What are the Cerebral ventricles:
Four internal brain chambers filled with CSF which are interconnected.
What does the brainstem consist of?
The midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
What is the medulla oblongata?
Part of brainstem continuous with the spinal cord
The function of the Cerebellum:
coordinates movements, including those for posture and balance;
participates in some forms of learning
What is the Vermis?
It connects the two hemispheres of the cerebellum
What is the Optic chiasma?
A structure formed by the crossing-over of the optic nerves
