Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Life Sciences > The brain and cranial nerves > Flashcards

The brain and cranial nerves Flashcards

Week 4

1
Q

What does the brain stem consist of?

A

The continuation of the spinal cord and consists of the medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the diencephalon?

A

It consists of the hypothalamus, the thalamus and the epithalamus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name the subcortical structures found in the brain

A

The diencephalon, pituitary gland, limbic structures and the basal ganglia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the basil ganglia?

A

A group of subcortical structures that play a crucial role in motor functions, executive functions and emotional behaviour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What occurs in the cerebral cortex?

A

Perception, thought, imagination, judgment, and decision making

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the role of the thalamus?

A

it is a “relay station” of all incoming motor and sensory information - hearing, taste, sight and touch (but not smell) - from your body to your brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

A

Homeostasis - keeping the body in a stable / balanced state through the release / inhibition of hormones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the role of the brain stem?

A

The brainstem is the base of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord and controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat, it consists of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What executive functions are associated with greater frontal lobes?

A

Self-control, planning, reasoning, and abstract thought

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How much does the cerebrum weigh on average?

A

1300g

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How many neurons are there in the cerebrum on average?

A

Around 100 billion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the dura mater?

A

It is a thick protective membrane that is made up of dense irregular connective tissue and surrounds the brain and spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe the structure of cerebral grey matter

A

The folds are called gyri, the deepest of which are known as fissures; the shallower grooves between folds are called sulci, the grey matter is only 5-6mm thick but accounts for 80% of the weight of the cerebrum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which fissure splits the cerebrum into right and left hemispheres?

A

The longitudinal fissure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What divides the anterior frontal lobe from the more posteriorly situated parietal lobe?

A

The central sulcus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How long could it take for signs and symptoms of inter cranial pressure (ICP) to set in?

A

Up to 12 hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the limbic system?

A

It does not represent any one part of the brain, is a functional system composed of parts of the cerebral cortex, diencephalon, and midbrain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Name and point to the four lobes of the cerebrum

A

Frontal - forehead
Parietal - top of head
Temporal - sides round ears
Occipital - right at bottom / back of head

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What kind of behaviour could be induced by damage to the frontal lobe?

A

Combativeness, abusive attitude and inappropriate sexual activity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are Brodmann’s areas in the cerebrum?

A

They are numbered regions of cortex that have been “mapped” to specific cognitive functions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What do motor areas of cerebral cortex control?

A

Voluntary movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Wernicke’s area?

A

Located in the parietal and temporal lobe, it helps with understanding speech as well as usage of correct words to express specific thoughts

23
Q

Broca’s speech area?

A

Located in the frontal lobe, It helps with motor movements required to produce speech

24
Q

What is the somatosensory system?

A

It consists of receptors, neurons, and brain regions (somatosensory cortex) that process and interpret signals from different parts of the body

25
Q

Examples of somatic sensations:

A

Touch, pressure, vibration, itch, tickle, temperature (coldness and warmth), pain, and proprioception (joint and muscle position / balance)

26
Q

In which lobe do most strokes occur and why?

A

The parietal lobe - it is supplied by large arteries

27
Q

Where in the cerebrum is the primary motor area located?

A

The precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe

28
Q

Where is the primary visual area in the cerebrum located?

A

The posterior tip of the occipital lobe mainly on the medial surface

29
Q

Where is the primary gustatory (taste) area located?

A

Just inferior to the primary somatosensory area

30
Q

Where is the primary auditory area located?

A

In the the superior part of the temporal lobe

31
Q

Where is the primary olfactory area located?

A

In the inferior medial temporal lobe

32
Q

What does the cerebral white matter primarily consist of?

A

Myelinated axons

33
Q

What are the three types of myelinated axon tracts called?

A
  • Association tracts
  • Commissural tracts
  • Projection tracts
34
Q

Describe the role of association tracts

A

They contain axons that conduct nerve impulses between gyri in the same hemisphere

35
Q

Describe the role of commissural tracts

A

They conduct nerve impulses between corresponding gyri from one hemisphere to another

36
Q

Describe the role of projection tracts

A

They convey impulses to lower parts of the CNS (thalamus, brain stem, or spinal cord) or visa versa

37
Q

What is the corpus callosum?

A

It is one of the three important groups of commissural tracts – it is a thick band of axons that connects corresponding areas of the two hemispheres

38
Q

What are the three basal nuclei, and what do they do?

A

… they are conspicuous centres of cell bodies deep in the cortex, they also help initiate and terminate movements, suppress unwanted movements, regulate muscle tone and control subconscious contractions of skeletal muscles

39
Q

What are the three integrated brain systems?

A
  • Reptilian brain
  • Mammalian brain
  • Cerebral cortex
40
Q

What is the medulla oblongata?

A

It is located in the brainstem and is responsible for regulating…

41
Q

What is the pons varolii?

A

Its is directly superior to the medulla and anterior to the cerebellum, it acts as a bridge connecting the spinal cord to the brain

42
Q

Cerebellum?

A
43
Q

Mid brain?

A
44
Q

What is the role of the reticular formation?

A

The RAS functions to maintain consciousness, a state of wakefulness in which an individual is fully alert, aware, and orientated

45
Q

What is the cerebellum?

A

It is the “little brain”, located inferior to the cerebrum and posterior to the brain stem; it compares intended movements with what is happening with skeletal muscles, and regulates posture, equilibrium, and balance

46
Q

Cranial meninges - three…

A

Protect the brain, dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater…

47
Q

How much of the bodies blood supply goes to the brain?

A

Around 20%

48
Q

Which arteries supply blood to the brain?

A

Anteriorly, it’s the internal carotid arteries; posteriorly, it’s the vertebral arteries

49
Q

What is the role of the internal jugular veins?

A

Venous return of blood from the brain

50
Q

Blood brain barrier…

A

RESEARCH

51
Q

What is the role of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)?…

A
52
Q

Production and flow of CSF

A
53
Q

12 CRANIAL NERVES

A

MAKE MIND MAP
- Name them and how to check for damage

54
Q

What is the blood brain barrier?

A

Life Sciences (15 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions