External Brain Structures and Functions

Question 1

The cerebral hemisphere has what tissue that surrounds its surface?

Answer 1

Gyri

Question 2

Define “gyri”

Answer 2

A ridge on the cerebral cortex

Question 3

What is gyri surrounded by?

Answer 3

Gyri is surrounded by one or more sulcus (depressions or furrows)

Question 4

What is the function of gyri and sulcus?

Answer 4

When together, gyri and sulcus create a folded appearance of the brain. The foldings separate areas of the brain which enhances the surface area and cognitive abilities of the brain.

Question 5

What divides the frontal and parietal lobe?

Answer 5

The central sulcus

Question 6

What divides the temporal and parietal lobe?

Answer 6

The lateral sulcus

Question 7

What divides the occipital and parietal lobe

Answer 7

The parieto-occipital sulcus

Question 8

What is cerebral white matter composed of?

Answer 8

White matter is made up of nerve fibers (axons) that is protected by myelinated sheath

Question 9

The cerebral hemispheres are divided by what?

Answer 9

A deep longitudinal fissure

Question 10

How do the cerebral hemispheres communicate with each other?

Answer 10

The two communicate through a C-shaped structure of white matter and nerve pathways called the corpus callosum

Question 11

Where is the corpus callosum located?

Answer 11

The corpus callosum is located in the center of the cerebrum

Question 12

What does the brain stem connect?

Answer 12

The brain stem connects the cerebrum and spinal cord

Question 13

What is grey matter responsible for?

Answer 13

Grey matter is responsible for processing sensation, perception, voluntary movement, learning, speech, and cognition

Question 14

What does the anterior grey column contain?

Answer 14

The anterior grey column contains motor neurons

Question 15

What is the posterior grey column responsible for?

Answer 15

The posterior grey column is responsible for receiving information for touch and sensation

Question 16

What is the grey commissure?

Answer 16

The grey commissure is a thin line of grey matter that surrounds the central canal of the spinal cord

Question 17

What is the cerebellum responsible for?

Answer 17

The cerebellum is responsible for muscle control, balance, and movement

Question 18

What is the diencephalon responsible for?

Answer 18

The diencephalon is responsible for relaying and processing sensory information and autonomic control

Question 19

What are the two parts of the diencephalon?

Answer 19

The two parts are the thalamus and hypothalamus

Question 20

What is the thalamus’ function?

Answer 20

The thalamus relays and processes sensory information and signals the information to the cerebral cortex

Question 21

What is the hypothalamus’ function?

Answer 21

The hypothalamus controls emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production

Question 22

What is the pituitary gland?

Answer 22

The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus and is responsible for integrating the nervous and endocrine systems

Question 23

What is the midbrain responsible for?

Answer 23

The midbrain processes sight, sound, and associated reflexes. It also maintains consciousness.

Question 24

What connects the cerebellum to the brainstem?

Answer 24

Pons connects the cerebellum to the brainstem and contains tracts, relay centers, and nuclei for somatic and visceral motor control

Question 25

What connects the brain to the spinal cord?

Answer 25

The medulla oblongata connects the brain to the spinal cord

Question 26

What is the function of medulla oblongata?

Answer 26

The medulla oblongata relays sensory information and regulates autonomic functions such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion

Question 27

What are the three layers in cranial meninges?

Answer 27

The three layers are dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater

Question 28

What two layers (lamellae) does dura mater have?

Answer 28

The two layers found in dura mater are a periosteal layer and a deep meningeal layer that is called the true dura mater

Question 29

What is arachnoid mater?

Answer 29

Arachnoid mater is the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord and has a spiderweb-like appearance

Question 30

What is pia mater?

Answer 30

Pia mater is attached to the brain surface via astrocytes and forms ligaments that suspend the spinal cord within the dural sac

Question 31

What is the cerebrospinal fluid’s function?

Answer 31

Cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain by providing nourishment, waste removal, and protection

Question 32

How do dural folds protect the brain?

Answer 32

Dural folds hold the brain position and protect it from damage that would result from contact with cranium

Question 33

What reflex centers does the medulla oblongata contain?

Answer 33

The medulla oblongata contains the following reflex centers: reticular formation, cardiovascular centers, and respiratory rhythmicity centers

Question 34

What is the tectum?

Answer 34

The tectum is a structure found within the midbrain. It contains two pairs of sensory nuclei that include superior colliculi (visual) and inferior colliculi (auditory).

Question 35

What is the tegmentum?

Answer 35

The tegmentum is a structure found within the midbrain that contains red nucleus (blood vessels) and substantia nigra (pigmented grey matter)

Question 36

What are cerebral peduncles?

Answer 36

Cerebral peduncles are nerve fiber bundles that contain descending fibers to cerebellum and descending motor command fibers