Ch. 16 Brain Flashcards
Function of the Brain
Nerve tracts: Myelinated; white matter
Bring information into the brain (sensory)
Transport information out of the brain (motor)
Transport information among the centers of the brain
Nuclei
Small centers of brain function; processing non-myelinated, gray matter
Sort incoming information or outgoing information into the appropriate areas or nerves
Cerebellum
Function: Muscle coordination.
Consists of arbor vitae, folia, anterior and posterior lobes
Cerebrum
Process sensory information, speech and language, emotions, etc.
Ventricles
Interventricular foramen
Lateral (anterior, posterior, inferior)
Third
Brain Stem
Midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata
Medulla Oblongata
Contains nuclei for processing of basic information Cranial nerves (V, IX, X, XI, XII) Heart rate Respiration Swallowing Vomiting Coughing Sneezing
Structures: Pyramids, decussate, olive
Pons
- Contains ascending and descending nerve tracts
- Nuclei relay information to cerebrum and cerebellum
- Nuclei for cranial nerves (V, VI, VII, VIII, IX)
- Sleep center and respiratory center
Midbrain (mesencephalon) Structures
Tectum, Tegmentum, Superior colliculus, Medial lemniscus, Red nucleus
Reticular formation
Several nuclei in the brain stem
Regulate cycles such as the sleep cycle
Cerebrospinal fluid
- Similar to blood serum without the proteins
- Circulation in the brain (nutrients, waste and signals)
- Cushioning for the brain
- Blood brain barrier prevents movement of most molecules into the CSF
Meninges (Surface to Deep)
Protective Coverings:
- Dura Mater
- Subdural space
- Arachnoid Mater
- Subarachnoid space
- Pia Mater
Dura mater
Very tough connective tissue; dense irregular connective tissue. Bound to bones of skull
Arachnoid mater
Wispy, spider-web like
Pia mater
Membrane bound to surface of brain
Subdural space
Small space containing serous fluid
Subarachnoid space
Blood vessels present, contains cerebrospinal fluid
Choroid plexus
Highly permeable capillaries in the ventricles.
Blood brain barrier
Astrocytes wrap around capillaries and tightly control the environment of the neurons.
Pyramids
Structure on Medulla Oblongata
Descending nerve tracts for control of skeletal muscles
Decussate
Structure on Medulla Oblongata
Forms an X in nerve tracts. Brain hemispheres control opposite side of the body
Olive
Structure on Medulla Oblongata
Nuclei involved in Balance, Coordination, Sound from ear