The Brain Flashcards
where is the brain found?
upper part of the spinal cord
name the four main parts of the brain
- cerebrum
- corpus callosum
- cerebellum
- medulla oblongata
what is the name of the outer layer of the cerebrum and what type of matter is it made of?
cerebral cortex, grey matter
what is the scientific names for the folds and grooves found on the outer layer of the cerebrum?
folds (gyri), grooves (sulci)
what type of matter makes up the inside of the cerebrum?
white matter
what divides the cerebrum into two halves and what are these halves called?
a deep groove divides it into the left and right cerebral hemispheres
name the four lobes that make up the hemispheres
- frontal
- tempral
- pariental
- occipital
what connects the two halves of the cerebrum?
the corpus callosum
name three functions of the cerebrum
- orgin of voluntary actions (i.e. walking, jumping, speech, etc.)
- receives & interprets nerve impulses from sense organs (sensations such as sight, touch, smell, sound, taste)
- higher mental functions (memory, intelligece, planning, thought, power of judgement, imagination, emotion)
what type of structure does the corpus callosum have.
C-shaped structure
where is the corpus callosum found?
between two halves of the cerebrum
what type of matter does the corpus callosum consist of?
white matte
why is the corpus callosum made up of white matter and not grey
it is a bundle of axons, axons used to connect the halves, largest bundle of fibres
name two functions of the corpus callosum
- conducts impulses between two cerebral hemispheres
- forms bridge of communication between thetwo halves in order to coordinate processes
where is the cerebellum found?
behind and below cerebrum
what connects the twohemispheres of the cerebellum?
the vermis (worm-like mass) made up of nerve tissue
what makes the grooves found on cerebellum different to those on the cerebrum?
more shallow & parallel
where isgey matter and white matter situated on cerebellum?
grey matter: outside
white matter: inside
describe how the white matter is arranged
like a branched tree (abor vitae)
name two functions of the cerebellum
- coordinates and controls all voluntary actions in order for smooth and precise movement
- controls muscle tone (tension in muscles) for balance and posture
where is the medulla oblongata found?
extension of spinal cord
what part of the body has the same structure as the medulla oblongata?
the spinal cord
how is the medulla oblongata different to the rest of the brain?
grey matter is on the inside rather than the white
describe the structure of the grey matter in the medulla oblongata
arranged in H-shape (just like spinal cord)
name two functions of the medulla oblongata
- transmits nerve impulses from the brain to the spinal cord
- contols all involuntary actions such as: > rate and depth of breathing > heartbeat > blinking > sneezing > coughing > vasomotoractivity (vasoconstriction and vasodilation/ widening and narrowing of blood vessels) > peristalsis and vomiting