Structures in brain

Question 1

Cerebellum

Answer 1

Part of hindbrain. Balance, motor learning, timing of movements

Question 2

Thalamus

Answer 2

Top of midbrain, in centre. Main relay station for incoming sensory signals, receives downward-going input from higher areas

Question 3

Hypothalamus

Answer 3

In front and below thalamus. Directly connected to pituitary gland, gateway to ES

Question 4

Sub-cortical nuclei

Answer 4

Tight cluster of neuron’s cell bodies, contain grey and white matter

Question 5

Basal ganglia

Answer 5

Nuclei surrounding thalamus, involved in motor control. Globus pallidus, putamen and caudate. Modulate movements, selective inhibition of muscles

Question 6

Corpus striatum

Answer 6

Putamen and caudate

Question 7

Cerebral cortex

Answer 7

Thin layers of neurons covering the whole hemisphere

Question 8

Corpus callosum

Answer 8

Thick bundles of axons connecting the 2 hemispheres

Question 9

Neurons

Answer 9

Generation of electrical impulses, modifies target cell activity and allows selective control of target structures

Question 10

Glia cells

Answer 10

Protected environment for neurons, develop from neural stem cells, 1/10th size of neuron

Question 11

Microglia

Answer 11

Small, defensive function. Chemicals repair neurons, phagocytosis

Question 12

Astrocytes

Answer 12

Physical/nutritional support. Transports nutrients from blood to neurons, transports waste away. Holds neurons in place, neural signalling

Question 13

Oligodendroglia

Answer 13

Large branches that wrap selves around axons. Fatty substances which insulate axon, soma = body