Neuroanatomy Primer Flashcards
Medulla
Controls vital reflexes
Pons
Mediates arousal and readiness of other parts
of the brain
Cerebellum
Regulates motor function, balance,
coordination
Substantia nigra
gives rise to the dopamine-
containing pathway facilitating readiness for
movement
Forebrain
Consists of the outer cerebral cortex and
What does the forebrain do?
receives sensory information
and controls motor movement from the
opposite side of body
What are the subcortical structures of the forebrain?
thalamus and basal ganglia
Thalamus
relay station from the sensory
organs and main source of input to the
cortex
Basal Ganglia
important for certain
aspects of movement
What is the limbic system?
it consists of a number of
other interlinked structures that form a border
around the brainstem
What is the function of the limbic system?
associated with motivation, emotion, drives
and aggression
Where is the hypothalamus located?
small area near the base of the brain
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
conveys messages to the pituitary gland to
alter the release of hormones
What is the function of the hippocampus?
critical for consolidating long-term memory
What does the cerebral cortex consist of?
consists of
the cellular layers on the outer surface of the
cerebral hemispheres
