development of CN Flashcards
Connects the spinal cord to the cerebrum
Brainstem
Pathway for ascending and descending nerve
tracts; center for several important reflexes (e.g.,
heart rate, breathing, swallowing, vomiting)
Medulla oblongata
Contains ascending and descending nerve
tracts; relays information between cerebrum
and cerebellum; site of reflex centers
Pons
Contains ascending and descending nerve
tracts; serves as visual reflex center; part of
auditory pathway
Midbrain
Scattered throughout brainstem; controls many
brainstem activities, including motor control,
pain perception, rhythmic contractions, and the sleep-wake cycle
Reticular formation
Controls muscle movement and tone; governs balance;
regulates extent of intentional movement; involved in
learning motor skills
Cerebellum
Connects the brainstem to the cerebrum; has many
relay and homeostatic functions, as listed under
each subdivision
Diencephalon
Major sensory relay center; influences mood and
movement
Thalamus
Contains nerve tracts and nuclei
Subthalamus
Contains nuclei responding to olfactory stimulation
and contains pineal gland
Epithalamus
Major control center for maintaining homeostasis
and regulating endocrine function
Hypothalamus
Controls conscious perception, thought, and conscious
motor activity; can override most other systems
Cerebrum
Controls muscle activity and posture; largely inhibits
unintentional movement when at rest
Basal nuclei
Autonomic response to smell, emotion, mood,
memory, and other such functions
Limbic system
