The brain and cranial nerves

Question 1

What does the brain stem consist of?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is the diencephalon?

Answer 2

It consists of the hypothalamus, the thalamus and the epithalamus

Question 3

Name the subcortical structures found in the brain

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is the basil ganglia?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What occurs in the cerebral cortex?

Answer 5

Perception, thought, imagination, judgment, and decision making

Question 6

What is the role of the thalamus?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is the role of the brain stem?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What executive functions are associated with greater frontal lobes?

Answer 9

Self-control, planning, reasoning, and abstract thought

Question 10

How much does the cerebrum weigh on average?

Answer 10

1300g

Question 11

How many neurons are there in the cerebrum on average?

Answer 11

Around 100 billion

Question 12

What is the dura mater?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Describe the structure of cerebral grey matter

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Which fissure splits the cerebrum into right and left hemispheres?

Answer 14

The longitudinal fissure

Question 15

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

Answer 15

The central sulcus

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Up to 12 hours

Question 17

What is the limbic system?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Name and point to the four lobes of the cerebrum

Answer 18

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Combativeness, abusive attitude and inappropriate sexual activity

Question 20

What are Brodmann’s areas in the cerebrum?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What do motor areas of cerebral cortex control?

Answer 21

Voluntary movements

Question 22

Wernicke’s area?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Broca’s speech area?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What is the somatosensory system?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Examples of somatic sensations:

Answer 25

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

Question 26

In which lobe do most strokes occur and why?

Answer 26

The parietal lobe - it is supplied by large arteries

Question 27

Where in the cerebrum is the primary motor area located?

Answer 27

The precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe

Question 28

Where is the primary visual area in the cerebrum located?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Where is the primary gustatory (taste) area located?

Answer 29

Just inferior to the primary somatosensory area

Question 30

Where is the primary auditory area located?

Answer 30

In the the superior part of the temporal lobe

Question 31

Where is the primary olfactory area located?

Answer 31

In the inferior medial temporal lobe

Question 32

What does the cerebral white matter primarily consist of?

Answer 32

Myelinated axons

Question 33

What are the three types of myelinated axon tracts called?

Answer 33

- Association tracts - Commissural tracts - Projection tracts

Question 34

Describe the role of association tracts

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Describe the role of commissural tracts

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Describe the role of projection tracts

Answer 36

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

Question 37

What is the corpus callosum?

Answer 37

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

Question 38

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

Answer 38

... 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

Question 39

What are the three integrated brain systems?

Answer 39

- Reptilian brain - Mammalian brain - Cerebral cortex

Question 40

What is the medulla oblongata?

Answer 40

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

Question 41

What is the pons varolii?

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Cerebellum?

Question 43

Mid brain?

Question 44

What is the role of the reticular formation?

Answer 44

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

Question 45

What is the cerebellum?

Answer 45

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

Question 46

Cranial meninges - three...

Answer 46

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

Question 47

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

Answer 47

Around 20%

Question 48

Which arteries supply blood to the brain?

Answer 48

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

Question 49

What is the role of the internal jugular veins?

Answer 49

Venous return of blood from the brain

Question 50

Blood brain barrier...

Answer 50

RESEARCH

Question 51

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

Question 52

Production and flow of CSF

Question 53

12 CRANIAL NERVES

Answer 53

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

Question 54

What is the blood brain barrier?