Lesson 4

Question 1

Thalamus function

Answer 1

Acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Question 2

Hypothalamus function

Answer 2

Maintains homeostasis by regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. It also controls the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Question 3

Cerebellum function

Answer 3

Coordinates voluntary movements, posture, balance, and muscle tone.

Question 4

CNS

Answer 4

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and sending out information.

Question 5

Ventral Horn

Answer 5

The front part of the spinal cord’s gray matter that contains motor neurons controlling skeletal muscles.

Question 6

midbrain

Answer 6

A portion of the brainstem involved in vision, hearing, motor control, and alertness.

Question 7

PNS

Answer 7

Nerves outside the CNS that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Question 8

medulla

Answer 8

The lowest part of the brainstem, regulating vital functions like heart rate and breathing.

Question 9

Pons

Answer 9

Part of the brainstem involved in regulating breathing and communication between different parts of the brain.

Question 10

ANS

Answer 10

Controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate and digestion; includes sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Question 11

ventricles

Answer 11

Fluid-filled cavities in the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Question 12

cranial nerves

Answer 12

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain and control sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.

Question 13

Sympathetic Ganglia

Answer 13

Clusters of nerve cells that are part of the sympathetic nervous system, involved in the “fight or flight” response.

Question 14

Nerve Tracts

Answer 14

Bundles of nerve fibers (axons) that transmit signals between different regions of the CNS.

Question 15

parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 15

Part of the ANS that promotes “rest and digest” functions, conserving energy.

Question 16

Diencephalon

Answer 16

A brain region that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory processing and autonomic regulation.

Question 17

Cranium

Answer 17

the skull which encases and protects the brain

Question 18

cortex

Answer 18

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thought, memory, and sensation

Question 19

brainstem

Answer 19

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls essential life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Question 20

foramina

Answer 20

Openings in bones, especially the skull, that allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels.

Question 21

sulcus

Answer 21

A groove on the brain’s surface that separates gyri (ridges), increasing surface area.

Question 22

reflex arc

Answer 22

A neural pathway that controls an automatic response to a stimulus, such as a knee-jerk reaction.

Question 23

cerebrum

Answer 23

The largest part of the brain, involved in voluntary movement, sensory processing, and higher cognitive functions.

Question 24

gyrus

Answer 24

A ridge on the brain’s surface, separated by sulci, involved in brain function.

Question 25

cerebellum

Answer 25

A structure at the back of the brain responsible for balance, coordination, and motor control.

Question 26

gray matter

Answer 26

Contains neuron cell bodies and is involved in processing and interpreting information.

Question 27

white matter

Answer 27

Composed of myelinated nerve fibers that transmit signals within the CNS.

Question 28

thalamus

Answer 28

A relay center for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain.

Question 29

hypothalamus

Answer 29

A small region of the brain that regulates homeostasis, including hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

Question 30

meninges

Answer 30

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Question 31

cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 31

A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, removing waste and supplying nutrients.

Question 32

Blood-Brain Barrier

Answer 32

A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing necessary nutrients to pass

Question 33

spinal cord

Answer 33

the nerve pathway that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Question 34

cranial nerves

Answer 34

Twelve pairs of nerves that control sensory and motor functions in the head and neck.

Question 35

spinal nerves

Answer 35

Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, carrying motor and sensory signals between the CNS and the body.

Question 36

dorsal horn

Answer 36

The back part of the spinal cord’s gray matter that receives sensory information from the body.

Question 37

dermatome

Answer 37

An area of skin supplied by sensory neurons from a specific spinal nerve.