(Brief) Anatomy of the CNS

Question 1

What are the functional regions and their purpose?

Answer 1

Frontal- higher processes e.g emotions, feelings
Parietal- motor and sensory processing
Occipital- processing visuals
Temporal- sound and hearing

Question 2

What is the anatomy of the brainstem?

Answer 2

(descending order) midbrain, pons, medulla

• Target/source of all cranial nerves
• v.important

Question 3

Tell me about the cerebellum

Answer 3

• Hindbrain structure attached to the brainstem
• Important in motor coordination, balance & posture
• Important for fine movements
• We can live without it, but wouldn’t be able to walk steadily

Question 4

Tell me about the spinal cord

Answer 4

• Extends down from the medulla
• Conduit for neural transmission
• it is the nerve cells that are protected by the vertebrae and project out to the areas of the PNS
• Coordinates some reflex actions

Question 5

What is the gyri and sulci?

Answer 5

• found on the cerebral hemispheres
• gyri are ridges on the surface
• sulci are fissures/grooves that surround the gyri