Nervous System - Structure and function Flashcards
Three broad parts of the brain
Cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem / medulla oblongata
Which hemisphere of the cerebrum controls the left side of the body?
Right hemisphere
Which functions does the left hemisphere of the cerebrum control for most people?
Speech
Logic
Math calculations
Pulling facts from memory
Which functions does the right hemisphere of the cerebrum control for most people?
Music
Face recognition
Spatial awareness
Where is information processed in the cerebrum?
Cerebral cortex - outermost layer where “gray matter” is found
What feature of the cerebrum increases its surface area?
Grooves
What are the lobes of the cerebrum?
Four regions in each hemisphere associated with different functions
Where is the cerebellum located?
Below and behind the cerebrum
What connects the two hemispheres of the cerebellum?
Vermis - worm-like mass of nerve tissue
How do the grooves of the cerebellum compare to those of the cerebrum?
More shallow and parallel
How is the white matter of the cerebellum arranged?
Like a branched tree
Function of the cerebellum
Controls voluntary movements, posture (muscle tone) and balance
C-shaped connector of the two hemispheres of the cerebrum
Corpus callosum
The corpus callosum consists of…
White matter; lots of axons
Which part of the brain is an extension of the spinal cord?
Medulla oblongata
How does the medulla oblongata differ from the brain?
Grey matter is inside, white is outside
Functions of the medulla oblongata
Transmit nerve impulses between the spinal cord and brain
Controls automatic functions
Location of the spinal cord
extends from medulla oblongata through the spinal canal of the vertebral column to the lumbar region
The spinal cord is composed of…
Grey and white matter
Layers of the spinal cord from the inside out
Central canal, H-shaped grey matter, white matter, spinal meninges
What connects to the spinal cord between successive vertebrae?
Bundles of neuron axons (nerves)
Two types of nerves in the peripheral nervous system
Sensory nerves and motor nerves