Cerebellum and Diencephalon

Question 1

Describe the general appearance of the cerebellum

Answer 1

• 2nd largest part of the brain, 10% mass but 50% mneurons
• Cerebellar hemispheres separated by vermis
• Cerebellar surface (gray matter) has many ridges called folia
• Cerebellar white matter is called arbor vitae (tree of life)

Question 2

What are cerebellar peduncles

Answer 2

Bundles of white matter that conduct impulses between the cerebellum and other parts of the brain
on the posterior side of the brain

Question 3

Compare the cerebral peduncles and cerebellar peduncles

Answer 3

Cerebral= anterior structure that conducts from the cerebrum to spinal cord

Cerebrum= posterior structure that conducts between the cerebellum and other parts of the brain

Question 4

What is the main function of the cerebellum

Answer 4

Movement monitoring and Balance

• Anterior and posterior lobes= evaluate how well movements initiated by the cerebrum are actually being carried out (what was intended vs what was done)
• Floculonodular lobe= regulates posture and balance

Question 5

Define ataxia

Answer 5

The inability to coordinate muscular movement

-symptom associated w/ cerebellar infection, injury, disease or degenerative changes

Question 6

What brain structures comprise the diencephalon

Answer 6

1. Thalamus
2. Epithalamus/Pineal gland
3. Hypothalamus

Question 7

Where is the diencephalon located

Answer 7

Extends from the brain stem to the cerebrum

Question 8

What makes up most of the diencephalon

Answer 8

The thalamus

Question 9

Describe the structure of the thalamus

Answer 9

• Paired of oval masses connected by a bridge of gray matter called the intermediate mass
• Composed of multiple gray matter nuclei and some white tracts

Question 10

What is the overall fxn of the thalamus

Answer 10

The relay station for most sensory impulses

• the thalamus sorts information, editing processes out, grouping similar sensory info together and relaying to the appropriate area of the cortex area
• also contributes to regulation of autonomic activities and maintenance of consciousness

Question 11

What is the internal capsule

Answer 11

a thick band of white matter that separates the thalamus laterally and caudate nucleus from the lentiform nucleus

Question 12

True or False the hypothalamus is superior to the thalamus

Answer 12

False, it is inferior ie hypo

Question 13

What are the 6 functions of the hypothalamus

Answer 13

Major regulator of homeostasis

1. Regulates the pituitary gland through the production of hormones and nerve impulses
2. Controls the autonomic nervous system
3. Regulation of emotional and behavior patterns
4. Regulation of eating and drinking
5. Control body temp
6. Regulation of circadian rhythm and states of consciousness

Question 14

What types of receptors can be found in the hypothalamus for monitoring body parameters

Answer 14

• Glucose
• Osmoreceptors
• Temperature of blood
• Various hormones like insulin

Question 15

Describe the mammillary bodies

Answer 15

Part of the hypothalamus that serve as relay stations for reflexes related to smell.

Question 16

Name the structure that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland

Answer 16

infundibulum

Question 17

Name the 2 nuclei that comprise the epithalamus and describe their fxn

Answer 17

1. Habenular nuclei= involved in olfaction, especially emotional responses
2. Pineal glans= secretes melatonin