Brain structure, meningitis and disability Flashcards
what are the main parts of the brain?
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Diencephalon
What is the cerebrum and how it is divided?
Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is divided into the left and right hemisphere and connected at the midline by the corpus callosum.
Describe the outer layer of the cerebrum, how is it arranged?
Made of grey matter and is called the cerebral cortex. It is folded in a way to increase the surface area.
There are grooves (sulci) and ridges (gyri)
List the lobes of the cerebrum
Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital
list the functions of the frontal lobe
Cognitive functions - concentration, problem solving, judgement
Motor control
Broca’s area (speech)
personality
list the functions of the parietal lobe
Visual perception
Spatial perception
sense of taste, smell and touch
Reading and writing
list the functions of the temporal lobe
memory learning emotions hearing understanding language
list the function of the occipital lobe
vision
what is the function of the cerebellum?
balance/posture, coordination of voluntary movement
what is the function of the brainstem?
control heart rate, consciousness and breathing
List the function of the thalamus
Sensory relay centre between the spinal cord and the cerebral cortex
what is the function of the hypothalamus?
Regulates homeostasis
what are the basal ganglia, where are they found and what is their function?
Basal ganglia: 3 masses of grey matter embedded in white matter, surrounding the thalamus.
Function: control of movement (and posture)
what is the brain surrounded by?
Layers of fascia called Meninges
what is the limbic system and what are its main components ?
Limbic system is the part of the brain involved in emotional and behavioural responses.
Made up of:
Hippocampus
Amygdala
Hypothalamus
what’s the function of the hippocampus?
Formation of new memories (long term memory)