External Brain Structures and Functions Flashcards
The cerebral hemisphere has what tissue that surrounds its surface?
Gyri
Define “gyri”
A ridge on the cerebral cortex
What is gyri surrounded by?
Gyri is surrounded by one or more sulcus (depressions or furrows)
What is the function of gyri and sulcus?
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.
What divides the frontal and parietal lobe?
The central sulcus
What divides the temporal and parietal lobe?
The lateral sulcus
What divides the occipital and parietal lobe
The parieto-occipital sulcus
What is cerebral white matter composed of?
White matter is made up of nerve fibers (axons) that is protected by myelinated sheath
The cerebral hemispheres are divided by what?
A deep longitudinal fissure
How do the cerebral hemispheres communicate with each other?
The two communicate through a C-shaped structure of white matter and nerve pathways called the corpus callosum
Where is the corpus callosum located?
The corpus callosum is located in the center of the cerebrum
What does the brain stem connect?
The brain stem connects the cerebrum and spinal cord
What is grey matter responsible for?
Grey matter is responsible for processing sensation, perception, voluntary movement, learning, speech, and cognition
What does the anterior grey column contain?
The anterior grey column contains motor neurons
What is the posterior grey column responsible for?
The posterior grey column is responsible for receiving information for touch and sensation
What is the grey commissure?
The grey commissure is a thin line of grey matter that surrounds the central canal of the spinal cord
What is the cerebellum responsible for?
The cerebellum is responsible for muscle control, balance, and movement
What is the diencephalon responsible for?
The diencephalon is responsible for relaying and processing sensory information and autonomic control
What are the two parts of the diencephalon?
The two parts are the thalamus and hypothalamus
What is the thalamus’ function?
The thalamus relays and processes sensory information and signals the information to the cerebral cortex
What is the hypothalamus’ function?
The hypothalamus controls emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production
What is the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus and is responsible for integrating the nervous and endocrine systems
What is the midbrain responsible for?
The midbrain processes sight, sound, and associated reflexes. It also maintains consciousness.
What connects the cerebellum to the brainstem?
Pons connects the cerebellum to the brainstem and contains tracts, relay centers, and nuclei for somatic and visceral motor control
What connects the brain to the spinal cord?
The medulla oblongata connects the brain to the spinal cord
What is the function of medulla oblongata?
The medulla oblongata relays sensory information and regulates autonomic functions such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion
What are the three layers in cranial meninges?
The three layers are dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater
What two layers (lamellae) does dura mater have?
The two layers found in dura mater are a periosteal layer and a deep meningeal layer that is called the true dura mater
What is arachnoid mater?
Arachnoid mater is the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord and has a spiderweb-like appearance
What is pia mater?
Pia mater is attached to the brain surface via astrocytes and forms ligaments that suspend the spinal cord within the dural sac
What is the cerebrospinal fluid’s function?
Cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain by providing nourishment, waste removal, and protection
How do dural folds protect the brain?
Dural folds hold the brain position and protect it from damage that would result from contact with cranium
What reflex centers does the medulla oblongata contain?
The medulla oblongata contains the following reflex centers: reticular formation, cardiovascular centers, and respiratory rhythmicity centers
What is the tectum?
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).
What is the tegmentum?
The tegmentum is a structure found within the midbrain that contains red nucleus (blood vessels) and substantia nigra (pigmented grey matter)
What are cerebral peduncles?
Cerebral peduncles are nerve fiber bundles that contain descending fibers to cerebellum and descending motor command fibers
