L6: introduction to neuroanatomy - general organisation and functional anatomy

Question 1

Describe the structure of the CNS

Answer 1

Cerebrum
Diencephalon – hypothalamus & 2 thalami 
-thalamus: acts as a relay station for all sensory information of head, neck & upper body 
Brainstem – midbrain, pons & medulla 
Cerebellum

Question 2

What is the function of the sulci and gyri?

Answer 2

Massively increase the surface area -> increases the number of neurones that can be packed into the skull

Question 3

Describe the major functions of the brainstem

Answer 3

1) Relationship with the cranial nerves -> nuclei of them found within the brainstem
2) Midbrain -> has number of centres and cranial nerve nuclei that are important for eye movement + reflexes of pupils to light
3) Pons – important role in feeding and has centres which control sleep
4) Medulla – CVS & respiratory systems mediated

Question 4

List the different lobes of the brain

Answer 4

Frontal
Temporal
Parietal 
Occipital
Cerebellum

Question 5

List the functions of the frontal lobe

Answer 5

Voluntary motor control
Speech production 
Social behaviour
Impulse control 
Higher cognition (planning, thinking)

Question 6

List the functions of the temporal lobe

Answer 6

Language
Emotion 
Long-term memory
Sense of smell
Hearing 
Taste

Question 7

List the functions of the parietal lobe

Answer 7

Somatosensory perception

Spatial awareness

Question 8

List the function of the occipital lobe

Answer 8

Visual perception

Question 9

List the functions of the cerebellum

Answer 9

Co-ordination

Motor learning

Question 10

Where are the primary motor cortex and primary somatosensory cortex?

Answer 10

Primary motor cortex = pre-central gyrus

Primary somatosensory cortex = post-central gyrus

Question 11

Describe the relationship between the spinal nerves and PNS

Answer 11

Pathways connecting primary motor cortex (on one side) with spinal nerves controlling the limbs (on one side):

• decussate to the opposite side at the level of the lower medulla
• cortical control of limb movement is from one primary motor cortex, which is contralateral

Question 12

Describe the relationship between the cranial nerves and PNS

Answer 12

Pathways connecting primary motor cortex (on one side) with cranial nerves controlling the muscles of face/neck (on one side):

• decussate to the opposite side at the level of the nuclei onto which they communicate
• cortical control of muscles is from one primary motor cortex, which is contralateral
• BUT: most cranial nerves also have cortical input from the ipsilateral cortex

Question 13

What do the forebrain and hindbrain contain?

Answer 13

Forebrain - cerebrum & diencephalon

Hindbrain - cerebellum, medulla & pons