Brain Structure Flashcards
Brain Stem
- lower part of the brain connecting it to the spinal cord
- oldest / most basic part of the brain containing the medulla, pons and RAS for sending and receiving information
Medulla
Lower part of brain stem, responsible for involuntary functions and basic reflexes
(Heart rate, breathing) (swallowing, sneezing)
Pons
On top of the medulla, links medulla and cerebellum to upper brain (Pons= bridge)
- helps coordinate movement, especially left right body coordination, as well as sleep functions
RAS
runs between medulla and pons between the ears
- network of nerve fibers in the brainstem extending from the spinal cord to the thalamus
- involved in attention, arousal, and alertness
Cerebellum
Located in rear bottom of the brain “little brain”
- helps coordinate muscle movements making them smooth, helps balance and equilibrium (procedural learning/implicit memory)
MIDBRAIN
Nerve system connecting fore and hindbrain allowing for communication between the areas
- gives information between brain, ears, and eyes
Cerebral Cortex
Outermost part of the brain, covers cerebrum
Cerebrum
Largest, most complex part of the brain
Association Areas
Found in all 4 lobes, too complex to be mapped, high mental functions not involved in primary motor or sensory functions
Frontal Lobe
Responsible for cognitive abilities (thinking),
-Prefrontal Cortex
- Primary Motor Cortex
- Broca’s Area
Prefrontal Cortex
Association area responsible for higher order thinking, planning, judgement, impulse control, personality, memory storage, decision making and goes through reorganization from 18-25 years old
Broca’s Area
Only located in the left hemisphere, required for production of speech, allowing people to speak smoothly and fluently. Damage can result in Broca’s Aphasia (difficulty in producing speech)
Motor Cortex
Controls movement of body’s voluntary muscles, cross wired pattern, areas that require precise movement get more tissue space
Parietal Lobe
Located on the top of the brain, it registers and processes body touch and movement sensations, processes mathematical and spatial reasoning. Contains the somatosensory cortex
Somatosensory cortex
Registers and processes touch, pain, skin temp, and body positions in a space. Cross wired, the more sensitive the body region, the more space devoted to it in the cortex (lips)
