The brain Flashcards
What is the brain’s role in the CNS?
Complex behaviours and experiences
What is the role of the spinal cord in the CNS?
reflexes
What is grey matter and where is it in the brain and spinal cord?
Nerve cell bodies
Brain - outer layer
Spinal cord - inner layer
What is white matter and where is it in the brain and spinal cord?
axons
brain - inner surface
spinal cord - outer surface
How much does the human brain weigh?
approx 1.5kg (2% of body weight)
how many neurons in the brain?
100-150billion - each one connects to approx 10000 others
What is a gyrus? (pl. gyri)
a fold
What is a sulcus? (pl. sulci)
groove
What is a fissure?
deep groove
What are tracts (eg. corpus callosum)?
Connecting point between the 2 hemispheres - important for communication (Split brain research)
What is the upper portion of the brain referred to as?
Dorsal/superior
What is the lower portion of the brain referred to as?
Ventral/inferior
What is the front portion of the brain referred to as?
Anterior/rostral
What is the back portion of the brain referred to as?
Posterior/caudal
What is a coronal cross-section?
Separates the brain into anterior (rostral) and posterior (caudal) halves
What is a saggital cross-section?
Separates the left and right hemisphere eg. at the point of the corpus callosum
What is an axial (horizontal) cross-section?
Separates the brain into dorsal (superior) and ventral (inferior) halves at the level of the corpus callosum.