Key structure of the Brain

Question 1

Describe the three main groups of nuclei of the thalamus

Answer 1

Sensory relays

Cerebellar and basal ganglia relays to motor frontal lobe

Connected to associative and limbic areas of cerebral cortex

Question 2

Where is the thalamus located

Answer 2

Core of diencephalon

Question 3

What is the role of the thalamus

Answer 3

Relays and integrates a myraid of motor and sensory impulses between the higher centres of the brain and peripheries

Question 4

Are the thalamus white or grey mater

Answer 4

Grey mater - partitioned by a Y shaped white matter structure (internal medullary lamina)

Question 5

What are the two protuberances on the posteroventral surface of the thalamus

Answer 5

Medial and lateral geniculate bodies

Question 6

What is the role of the medial geniculate body

Answer 6

Processing auditory information

Question 7

What is the role of the lateral geniculate body

Answer 7

Processing visceral sensory inputs

Question 8

What is the thalamus covered by

Answer 8

Stratum zonale

Question 9

What is the primary blood supply to the thalamus

Answer 9

Posterior cerebral artery

Question 10

Describe the thalamus

Answer 10

Dorsal part of the diencephalon

Major subcortical relay for information ascending to the cerebral cortex

Afferent information may be modified by substantial descending projection to the thalamus from all parts of the cortex

Question 11

Where does the hypothalamus sit

Answer 11

Within the medial wall of the third ventricle

Question 12

What is the role of the hypothalamus

Answer 12

Principal visceral control centre of the brain

Mediates a broad range of functions via its connection with the endocrine, autonomic, somatic motor and limbic systems to remain a state of HOMEOSTASIS

Question 13

What does the hypothalamus control

Answer 13

Body temp

Blood circulation

Food intake

Fluid and electrolyte balance

Sleep-wake cycle

Metabolism

Sexual behaviour

Question 14

What are the main inputs to the hypothalamus

Answer 14

Circulating blood

Amygdala

Hippocampus

Question 15

What are the main out puts of the hypothalamus

Answer 15

Pituitary - hormones - homeostasis

Question 16

Where is the location of the hypothalamus

Answer 16

Behind the optic chiasm up to and including the mamillary bodies

Only part of the diencephalon visible on the outside of the brain

Question 17

Describe the hypothalamus

Answer 17

Ventral part of the diencephalon that extends from the lamina terminalis in front to a vertical plane immediately behind the mamillary bodies

Important centre contributing to body homeostasis and to autonomic nervous system and neuroendocrine systems control

Question 18

Describe the subthalamus

Answer 18

Ventral part of the diencephalon below the thalamus and lateral to the hypothalamus merging posteriorly with the tegmentum

Functionally closely associated with basal ganglia

Question 19

What is the pituitary gland

Answer 19

Major gland of the endocrine system

Question 20

What is the pituitary gland suspended by

Answer 20

Underside of the brain by pituitary stalk

Question 21

Where in the bone does the pituitary gland sit

Answer 21

Small depression in the sphenoid bone - sella turnica

Question 22

What are the two structures of the pituitary gland

Answer 22

Anterior lobe

Posterior lobe

Question 23

Describe the anterior pituitary

Answer 23

Consists of glandular epithelium

Secretes a number of hormones

Controlled by the hypothalamus

Communicates via neurotransmitters secreted into the hypophyseal portal vessels

Question 24

Describe the posterior pituitary

Answer 24

Consists of nervous tissue

Two hormones - ADH and oxytocin

Both substances are produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland ready for release

Question 25

What is the arterial supply to the anterior pituitary

Answer 25

Superior hypophyseal artery - branch of the internal carotid artery

Hypophyseal portal system - allows the thalamus to communicate with the anterior pituitary via the release of neurotransmitters into the blood stream

Question 26

What is the arterial supply of the posterior pituitary

Answer 26

Superior hypophyseal artery

Infundibular artery

Inferior hypophyseal artery