Cerebellum (overview) Flashcards
What is the function of the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is responsible for motor coordination and control, and it is involved in aspects of cognition, such as learning.
Where is the cerebellum located?
The cerebellum is tucked under the posterior cortex and attached to the dorsal brainstem.
What is the function of the pons?
The pons acts as a relay station between different parts of the brain and integrates motor and sensory signals.
What does the reticular formation regulate?
The reticular formation plays a role in sleep, arousal, and basic life-supporting behaviors.
What are the key functions of the medulla?
The medulla conveys motor and sensory fibers between the body and brain, regulates respiration and heart rate, and gives rise to several cranial nerves.
Why is injury to the medulla often lethal?
Injury to the medulla is often lethal because it controls vital life functions such as respiration and heart rate.
How do brain regions collaborate in complex behaviors?
Brain regions collaborate through interactions within larger-scale networks, involving both small functional units (e.g., cortical columns) and large-scale networks of neurons.
What are communication pathways in the brain?
Cortical regions communicate via tracts of axons through white matter, with short pathways linking nearby regions and long pathways connecting distant areas and subcortical structures.
What is the connectome?
The connectome is a comprehensive network map that describes the functional connections within and between brain regions, built from neuroanatomical findings in humans and animals.
How does studying the connectome advance neuroscience?
Studying the connectome bridges gaps between anatomy and function, providing insights into cognition, behavior, and sensory processing.
