Other Parts of the Nervous System Flashcards
Brain Structures & Their Functions
The brain is divided into 3 different regions. What are they?
- Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
- Midbrain (Mesencephalon)
- Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)
Regions of the Brain.
Processes sensory information, helps with reasoning and problem-solving, and regulates autonomic, endocrine, and motor functions.
Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
The terms “prosencephalon” and “forebrain” are synonymous.
Regions of the Brain.
Helps to regulate movement and process auditory and visual information
Midbrain (Mesencephalon)
The terms “mesencephalon” and “midbrain” are synonymous.
Regions of the Brain.
Which major brain region controls essential functions like balance, coordination, and autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate?
Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)
The terms “rhombencephalon” and “hindbrain” are synonymous.
Brain Regions
Forebrain is also called what?
Prosencephalon
The terms “prosencephalon” and “forebrain” are synonymous.
Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
Which brain region includes the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, limbic system, and corpus callosum?
Cerebrum
The telencephalon is the scientific and official name for the cerebrum.
Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
What is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions, perception, memory, and voluntary movement?
Cerebrum
The telencephalon is the scientific and official name for the cerebrum.
Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
Main Components of
the Telencephalon (Cerebrum):
- Cerebral Cortex
- Limbic System
- Basal Ganglia
- Corpus Callosum
Main Components of the Telencephalon (Cerebrum):
Lobes of Cerebral
Cortex
- Frontal Lobe
- Parietal Lobe
- Temporal Lobe
- Occipital Lobe
Lobes of Cerebral Cortex
Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognition, personality, decision-making, and voluntary movement?
e.g. Solving a math problem.
Frontal Lobe
(Lobus Frontalis)
Lobes of Cerebral Cortex
Which lobe of the cerebral cortex processes sensory integration and spatial awareness?
e.g. Feeling the texture of an object.
Parietal Lobe
(Lobus Parietalis)
Lobes of Cerebral Cortex
Which lobe is responsible for auditory processing, memory and language comprehension?
e.g. Understanding spoken words.
Temporal Lobe
(Lobus Temporalis)
Lobes of Cerebral Cortex
Which lobe processes visual information?
e.g. Interpreting colors and shapes
Occipital Lobe
(Lobus Occipitalis)
Main Components of the Telencephalon (Cerebrum):
Which brain structure connects the left and right hemispheres, allowing communication between them?
Corpus Collusum
What are the ridges on the surface of the brain called?
Gyri
(singular: gyrus)
What are the grooves or valleys separating the gyri called?
Sulci
(singular: sulcus)
Gyri and Sulci
Which gyrus contains the primary motor cortex and is responsible for voluntary movements?
Precentral Gyrus
Gyri and Sulci
Which gyrus contains the primary somatosensory cortex and processes sensory input like touch and pain?
Postcentral Gyrus
Gyri and Sulci
Which gyrus is involved in auditory processing and language comprehension?
Superior Temporal Gyrus
Gyri and Sulci
Which sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes; divides the motor and sensory cortex.?
e.g. Distinguishes voluntary movement from sensory perception.
Central Sulcus
(Sulcus Centralis)
Gyri and Sulci
Which sulcus separates the frontal and temporal lobes?
e.g. Helps distinguish auditory and speech areas.
Lateral Sulcus
(Sylvian Fissure)
Gyri and Sulci
Which sulcus separates the parietal and occipital lobes?
e.g. Helps define visual processing areas.
Parieto-Occipital Sulcus
(Sulcus Parietooccipitalis)
Gyri and Sulci
Which sulcus contains the primary visual cortex and plays a crucial role in visual processing?
e.g. Processes visual information from the eyes.
Calcarine Sulcus
(Sulcus Calcarinus)
Main Components of the Telencephalon (Cerebrum):
Which brain structure is a group of subcortical nuclei responsible for movement regulation and initiation, habit formation, cognition, and emotion?
Basal Ganglia
Basal Ganglia (Nuclei Basales)
Which part of the basal ganglia is involved in voluntary movement, learning, and goal-directed behavior?
e.g. When you decide to pick up a cup, this initiate that movement.
Caudate Nucleus
Basal Ganglia (Nuclei Basales)
Which part of the basal ganglia helps control motor skills, especially learned and repetitive movements?
e.g. Helps with activities like typing or riding a bicycle.
Putamen
Basal Ganglia (Nuclei Basales)
Which part of the basal ganglia regulates voluntary movement by inhibiting excessive motion?
e.g. Prevents shaking while holding a glass of water.
Globus Pallidus
Basal Ganglia (Nuclei Basales)
Which part of the basal ganglia produces dopamine (which is essential for smooth and
controlled movements) and is involved in reward and learning?
is affected in Parkinson’s disease?
Substantia Nigra
Which neurotransmitter is primarily produced by the substantia nigra and is crucial for smooth motor movement?
Dopamine
Main Components of the Telencephalon (Cerebrum):
Which brain system is responsible for emotions, memory, and motivation?
It connects higher cognitive functions with basic emotional and physiological responses
Limbic System
Limbic System
Which limbic structure is involved in memory formation, learning, and spatial navigation?
Hippocampus
Limbic System
Which limbic structure processes emotions but especially fear, aggression, and pleasure?
Also involved in emotional memory storage.
Amygdala
Limbic System
Which limbic structure regulates vital functions and homeostasis like hunger, thirst, hormone release, controls the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems?
Hypothalamus
Limbic System
Which limbic structure acts as a relay station for sensory information (except smell), sirecting it to the appropriate brain areas?
Thalamus
Limbic System
Which part of the limbic system plays a role in emotional regulation, decision-making, and impulse control?
Cingulate Gyrus
is like slicing the brain right down the middle from front to back, so we get a clear view of what’s happening inside, with the left and right halves.
The Midsagittal Section of the Brain
This is like the brain’s “central hub” — it acts as a relay and processing center
There are four major parts of diencephalon the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and subthalamus.
Diencephalon
This tiny structure helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and connects the limbic system to the rest of the brain.
Epithalamus
A small, pea-shaped gland involved in regulating sleep through melatonin production.
Pineal Gland
A small gland controlled by the hypothalamus, responsible for hormone production.
Pituitary Gland
Regions of the Brain.
Which part of the brain serves as a communication highway between the forebrain and hindbrain?
Midbrain
(mesencephalon)
MIdbrain
Which midbrain structure processes visual and auditory stimuli?
Tectum
MIdbrain
Which midbrain structure helps with movement and arousal?
Tegmentum
MIdbrain
Which major midbrain structure acts as an “information highway,” carrying motor commands from the brain to the body?
Cerebral Peduncles
Hindbrain
Which part of the hindbrain is responsible for balance, motor coordination, and fine motor skills?
It is located at the back of the brain.
Cerebellum
Hindbrain
Which part of the hindbrain acts as a bridge between different brain regions and helps control breathing, sleep, and facial expressions?
Pons
Hindbrain
Which hindbrain structure is considered the “life-support center” because it regulates heart rate, breathing, and digestion?
Medulla Oblongata
Vascular Territories of Cerebral Artery
Responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain
Cerebral Artery
Major Blood Supply to the Brain
Which artery supplies 80% of the brain’s anterior circulation?
Internal Carotid Arteries (ICA)
Major Blood Supply to the Brain
Which system supplies 20% of the brain’s posterior circulation?
Vertebrobasilar System
3 Major Arteries of the Brain
- Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)
- Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)
- Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)
3 Major Arteries of the Brain
Which major artery supplies blood to the frontal and parietal lobes?
Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)
3 Major Arteries of the Brain
Which major artery supplies blood to the lateral surface of the brain, including movement and language areas?
Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)
3 Major Arteries of the Brain
Which major artery supplies blood to the occipital lobe and midbrain?
Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)
MCA Vascular Territory:
Which brain region is responsible for speech production?
Broca’s Area
MCA Vascular Territory:
Which brain region is responsible for language comprehension?
Wernicke’s Area
What is the vascular structure that provides collateral circulation and protects against ischemia (reduced blood
flow)?
It is a network of arteries that ensures blood supply to the brain even if one artery is blocked.
Circle of Willis
Are the most common type of aneurysm and often occur in this area, leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage if ruptured.
Berry Aneurysms
Stroke Syndromes
Affects lower limbs more than the upper body.
Anterior Cerebral Artery Stroke
Stroke Syndromes
Causes facial drooping, upper limb weakness, and speech problems.
Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Stroke Syndromes
Leads to vision loss and memory impairment.
Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke
What is found just below the thalamus?
Hypothalamus
What is a tiny structure that help sleep wake cycle?
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)
It is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. It has anatomical term “Arterial Vascular Territories of the Brain”
Cerebral Artery
Which artery is the main supplier of blood to the Circle of Willis?
Internal Carotid Artery
2 Major Structures of Tectum
- Superior Colliculi (visual and reflexes)
- Inferior Colliculi (auditory)
Roles of Circle of Willis
Refers to alternative pathways in the vascular system that ensure blood continues to flow even if a primary artery is blocked or damaged.
Collateral Circulation
Roles of Circle of Willis
Equalizes blood supply between brain hemispheres and anterior/posterior regions. Prevents sudden pressure fluctuations.
Blood Flow Regulation
Segments of Cerebral Arteries
ACA: A1-A5
MCA: M1-M4
PCA: P1-P4
