Brain structures Flashcards
what does the brainstem consist of?
medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain
what is the function of the brainstem?
relay center for sensory input and motor output and basic reflex actions
what is the function of the cerebellum?
higher motor and sensory functions, not part of brain stem, coordinates and fine tunes, maintains balance and posture in response to proprioceptors, assists cerebrum with regulation of behavioral expression, some cognitive skills and language retrieval
what is the function of the cardiac center and where is it?
located in medulla oblongata, regulates heart rate and strength contraction
what is the vasomotor center and where is it located?
constricts and dilates arterioles (regulates blood pressure), in medulla oblongata
what are the pyramids and where are they located?
bilateral ridges on the anterior side, motor axons only, most of the axons are decussate, located in medulla oblongata
what is the respiratory center and where is it located?
regulates breathing rate (works with pontine respiratory center in the pons) , in the medulla oblongata
what is the inferior part of fourth ventricle and its location?
produces and distributes CSF, in the medulla oblongata
what is the pontine respiratory center and its location?
helps control rate and depth of breathing
what is the superior part of fourth ventricle and location?
continuous with cerebral aqueduct, in the pons
what is the pons composed of?
groups of axons or nerve fiber tracts
what is the Tectal plate and its location?
connects brain stem to diencephalon, located on posterior side of midbrain
what is the superior colliculi?
subdivision of tectal plate, coordinates head and eye movements to sudden image
what is the inferior colliculi?
subdivision of tectal plate, coordinates head and eye movements to sudden sound
what are the cerebral peduncles?
groups of axons on anterior side of midbrain, motor axons only, conducts nerve impulses between the cerebrum and brainstem
what is the cerebral aqueduct?
connects 4th ventricle to 3rd ventricle
what is the cerebellar peduncles?
a group of axons in the cerebellum
what are the inferior cerebellar peduncles?
connect medulla oblongata to the cerebellum
what are the middle cerebellar peduncles?
connects the pons to the cerebellum
what are the superior cerebellar peduncles?
connect the midbrain to the cerebellum
what are propriocepters?
sensory nerve endings in muscles, joints, and tendons
what is ataxia?
uncoordinated and jerky movements
what is the pia mater?
a deepest and thinnest cranial meninge that is directly attached to nervous system
what is the subarachnoid space?
space between pia and arachnoid mater