The Brain Flashcards
Describe the anatomy of the brain
The cerebrum is divided into 2 hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure. The outermost thick layer made up of Gray matter is the cerebral cortex. White matter is a network of fibres that enables regions of the brain to communicate with each other. Central Gray matter has the basal ganglia which is important in planning, controlling and executing movement
Cerebellum
Interaction between the cerebellum and the motor areas produces smooth coordinated movement and balance. Damage to this area = ataxia
Brainstem
Consists of midbrain, medulla oblong ate and the pons. Motor and sensory neurones travel through the brainstem allowing for the relay of signals between the brain and the spinal cord. Important control centres: respiratory, cardiac, vase motor, sweating, swallowing and gastric secretion
Frontal lobe
Responsible for behaviour, movement, planning and execution. Speech, personality and emotion.
Pre-motor area: execution and planning if movement
Primary motor area: initiates and controls voluntary movement, motor homunculus. Damage= paralysis to contralateral side of the body. Located in posterior portion of the frontal lobe
Broca’s area: located in the lower portion of the left frontal lobe. Is responsible for producing speech damage = expressive dysphasia. is connected to Wernicke’s area.
Parietal lobe
Involved with interpretation of somatic sensation. Origin, shape, texture, pressure. Spatial orientation, information processing and cognition
Occipital lobe
Involved in interpretation of visual input. Intensity of light and dark, shape and movement of objects. Colour. Relates past visual experiences with recognition and evaluation.
Temporal lobe
Interpretation is speech, primary auditory area (located near ear). Memory,
Wernicke’s area: responsible for comprehension of speech. Translates words to thoughts. Damage= receptive dysphasia
