Forebrain Flashcards
What does the forebrain consist of?
The thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex.
What is the thalamus?
The relay point where all inputs to the cerebrum synapse before ascending to the cerebral cortex.
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
The main function is homeostasis. It directly controls Blood pressure Body temperature Fluid and electrolyte balance Body weight
How does the hypothalamus control heart rate, vasoconstriction, digestion and sweating?
Via inputs to the medulla where the autonomic nervous system originates.
What are the 6 functions of the cerebral cortex?
Intelligence Personality Interpretation of sensory impulses Motor function Planning and organisation Touch sensation
What does the volume of the cerebral hemispheres consist of?
White matter, the axons connecting cell bodies in the grey matter.
The cerebral cortex or cerebral grey matter contains the cell bodies of neurones.
Where does the grey matter exist on and how is the surface area increased?
Exists on the surface of the hemispheres and is highly convoluted to increase the surface area.
