Neuroanatomy I: The Cerebral Cortex: Gross and Functional Anatomy Flashcards
Three embryological regions of the brain
Forebrain [Cerebrum | Diencephalon]
Midbrain
Hindbrain [Pons | Medulla oblongata | Cerebellum]
Cerebrum (cerebral hemispheres)
- Largest area of brain
- Divided into two cerebral hemispheres
- Separated by the longitudinal fissure
- Connected by the corpus callosum
- Conscious thought processes & intellectual function
- Memory storage, processing & retrieval
- Conscious & subconscious regulation of skeletal muscle contraction
Cortex
- Surface layer
- Gray matter
Increases surface area:
- Thrown into folds - Gyri
- Separated by fissures - Sulci
- Subdivide surface into lobes
Lobes of the Cerebral Hemispheres
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Temporal lobe
- Occipital lobe
Lobes & Sulcus of the Cerebral Hemispheres
Precentral Gyrus
(anterior to central sulcus)
- Primary motor area
- Controls voluntary movement
Post-central gyrus
(posterior to central sulcus)
- Primary sensory area
- Receives & interprets sensations
Superior temporal gyrus
- Primary auditory area
- Reception and interpretation of sound
Motor speech (Broca’s) area
- Located just above lateral sulcus, usually on the left side of the brain
- Controls movements involved in speech
Wernicke’s area
- Located in the posterior section of the superior temporal gyrus on the left side of the brain
- Comprehension of speech
Calcarine sulcus & Primary visual area
- Located on the posterior pole of the occipital lobe around the calcarine sulcus
- Receives visual impressions
Cerebellum (cerebellar hemispheres)
- Co-ordinates complex somatic motor patterns
- Postural muscles-maintains balance
- Refines learned movement patterns
The Brainstem
[Medulla oblongata | Pons | Midbrain]
- Processing and relay centre for information passing to and from cerebrum & cerebellum
- Contains reflex centres associated with respiratory & cardiovascular functions
Diencephalon
- Region of the brain almost completely hidden from the surface
- Consists of dorsal thalamus & ventral hypothalamus
Diagram (back of skull)
The diencephalon consists of the following structures:
Thalamus: Relay & processing centre
Hypothalamus: Involved in hormone production & emotional control
The brain is supplied by…
[Arterial Supply of the Brain]
Two internal carotid arteries
Two vertebral arteries (a branch of subclavian artery
Four arteries anastomose on the inferior surface of the brain & form the circle of Willis
Internal Carotid Arteries
- Leaves neck by passing into cranial cavity through the carotid canal
- Passes upwards & forwards in the cavernous venous sinus (without communicating with it)
- Then leaves sinus, passes lateral to the optic chiasma
- Terminates by dividing into anterior & middle cerebral arteries
Vertebral Arteries
Ascend in the neck through the foramina in the transverse processes of the upper six cervical vertebrae
Enters cranial cavity through foramen magnum
Join together from either side to form the basilar artery
Circle of Willis
Function of the Circle of Willis
Allows for collateral circulation of blood if one or part of the circle becomes blocked or narrowed
Avoids ischemia
The left middle & anterior cerebral arteries are filled via the contralateral anterior & posterior communicating branches