The Brain Flashcards
Cerebellum
Posterior to the brain stem “little brain”
Diencephalon
Superior to the Brain stem; consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and the epithalamus
Cerebrum
Superior to the brain stem diencephelon. It is the largest part of the brain
Protective coverings of the brain
Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater
Dura mater
Most superficial meninge (protects the brain)
Thin layers within the dura mater: falx cerebri, falx cerebelli, and tentorium cerebelli
Arachnoid mater
Middle layer of the meninges. Contains arachnoid villi. Separated by subdural space
Pia mater
Deepest and thinnest layer attached directly to the brain. Covers every fold of the brain and supports blood vessels
Subarachnoid space
Pia mater is separated from the arachnoid mater by subarachnoid space. Usually filled with cerebral spinal fluid.
Brain stem
Continuous with the spinal cord; consists of the ,emulate oblongata, pons, and midbrain
Meningeal spaces
Epidural space- potential space between the skull and the dura. Only in the spinal cord
Subdural space- real space between the dura and arachnoid. Contains small bridging veins
Subarachnoid space- real space between the arachnoid and pia mater. Contains cerebrospinal fluid
Arterial brain flow (anterior)
Anterior: (provides the cerebrum with blood)common carotid arteries–>internal carotid arteries–>base of skull–> cranium–> branch to anterior and middle cerebral arteries
Arterial Brain blood flow (posterior)
Posterior: (provides the brain stem with blood) subclavian arteries–> vertebral arteries–> transverse foramina of cervical vertebrae–> foremen magnum. Joins at the junction of pons and medulla–> basilar artery–> pontine branches. Posterior cerebral arteries–> anterior inferior cerebellar and superior cerebellar arteries. Vertebral artery–> posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
Venous blood flow
Brain sinuses- venous channels that are found between layers of dura mater.
Veins of brain–> sinuses–> internal jugular vein–> brachiocephalic vein–> superior vena cava–> right atrium
Blood- brain barrier
Protects brain cells from harmful substances and pathogens. It does this by acting as a selective barrier to prevent passage of many substances from the blood to the brain.
Found around brain capillaries
Cerebrospinal fluid
Clear, liquid (similar to blood plasma)
Protects the brain and spinal cord against chemical and physical injuries.
Carries O2, glucose
Ventricles and where they are located
Lateral ventricles: (2). One located in each cerebral hemisphere
Third Ventricle: located in the middle of the diencephelon
Fourth Ventricle: located between the Bain stem and cerebellum.
Brain stem
Located between the spinal cord and diencephelon
Consists of medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain