CNS: brain anatomy and function Flashcards
4 functions of the brain
registering sensations, correlating them with one another and with stored information
making decisions and taking action
intellect, emotions, behaviour and memory
directs behaviour towards others
Blood Brain Barrier
2 structure
2 function
tight junctions set endothelial cells of brain capillaries and thick basement membrane surround capillaries
astrocyte processes contact capillaries and maintain permeability of tight junctions
protect against; proteins, antibiotic drugs, toxins
permeable to; water soluble substances, ions, creatine etc
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
3 structure
3 function
clear colourless liquid
total volume - 80-150mLs
composed of water, glucose, proteins, lactic aids, urea, cations, anions and WBC
mechanical protections (shock absorption) homeostatic function circulation (medium for exchange of nutrients and waste product)
Cerebrum
2 layers. what are they?
Cerebral cortex
region of grey matter forms outer rim & billions of neurons arranges in layers
folds = gyri
shallow grooves = sulci
fissure = deep groves between folds
Cerebral white matter
region of white matter beneath cerebral cortex
composed of myelinated neurons
Cerebrum - basal nuclei
1 structure
3 function
3 pairs masses of grey matter
regulate initiation and termination of movement
regulate emotional behaviours
initiate and terminate cognitive processes
Limbic system
2 structure
2 function
ring of structures on inner border or cerebrum
composed of multiple structure (hippocampus, amygdala etc)
faction
memory
3 functional organisations of cerebrum
sensory areas
association areas
motor areas
Diencephalon
3 structure
1 function
central core of tissue superior to midbrain
contains numerous nuclei
surrounded by cerebral hemispheres, surrounds 3rd ventricle
varierty of sensory and motor processing between higher and lower brain centres
Thalamus
2 structure
2 function
about 80% of diencephalon
7 paired oval masses of grey matter
serves as relay stations for sensory impulses to cerebral cortex
role in awareness, acquisition of knowledge, emotions, memory
transmits motor information from cerebellum and basal nuclei to cerebral cortex
Hypothlamus
2 structure
2 function
locate inferior to thalamus
about 12 nuclei in 4 major groups
major regulator of body homeostasis
controls ANS
produces hormones
Epithalamus
2 structure
2 function
superior and posterior to thalamus
composed of pineal glad and habenular nuclei
pineal glad - regulates circadian rhythms via melatonin
habenular nuclei - olfaction, emotional response to odours
Brain stem
location
composed of (4)
between spinal cord and diencephalon
midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, reticular formation
Midbrain (brain stem)
2 structure
2 function
inferior to diencephalon and superior to pons
contains both nuclei and sensory motor tracts
reflex centre for visual activités
centre for startle reflex
Pons (brain stem)
3 structure
1 function
locates superior to medulla oblongata, anterior to cerebellum
contins sensory and motor tracts and nuclei
bridge that connects parts of the brain to one another
helps control breathing
medulla oblongata (brain stem) 2 structure 2 function
located inferior to pons, continuous with superior portion of spinal cords
on anterior aspect forms pyramids
information in and out of cerebellum
respiratory centre ; sets basic rhythm of breathing