Chapter 14 Flashcards
Cerebrum
Largest brain part, controls higher mental functions.
Cerebellum
Coordinates motor patterns, maintains balance.
Diencephalon
Central brain region, includes thalamus and hypothalamus.
Brainstem
Connects spinal cord to cerebrum and cerebellum.
Gyri
Bulges of brain tissue increasing surface area.
Sulci
Deep fissures separating gyri in the brain.
Thalamus
Relays and processes sensory information.
Hypothalamus
Regulates hormones, body temperature, and hunger.
Pituitary gland
Master endocrine gland controlling other glands.
Midbrain
Processes vision, hearing, and motor movement.
Pons
Connects cerebellum to brainstem, handles unconscious processes.
Medulla oblongata
Regulates autonomic functions like heart rate and digestion.
Cranial meninges
Three protective layers surrounding the brain.
Dura mater
Outer layer of cranial meninges, tough and thick.
Arachnoid mater
Middle layer, spiderweb-like, contains cerebrospinal fluid.
Pia mater
Inner layer of meninges, delicate and thin.
Cerebrospinal fluid
Cushions brain, circulates between meninges.
Blood-brain barrier
Protective barrier preventing harmful substances entry.
Fissures
Deep grooves separating major brain regions.
Cerebellar cortex
Outer layer of cerebellum, composed of gray matter.
Subthalamus
Involved in movement modulation.
Epithalamus
Regulates circadian rhythms.
Dural venous sinuses
Drainage system for blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Subarachnoid space
Area between arachnoid and pia mater, contains CSF.