The brain (and some cranial stuff) Flashcards
Brain
Complex organ that allows complex sensational, intellectual and nervous activity to occur.
Cranial Nerves
Neural extensions that send signals to and from the face, neck and torso
-5 senses
Meninges
3 layers of protection for the brain.
Pia Mater
Adheres to brain
Areolar CT
Arachnoid Mater
Medial layer.
Arachnoid trabeculae extend to pia mater through subarachnoid
space.
Subarachnoid space contains CSF.
Dura Mater
Tough, outermost membrane.
Dense Irregular CT
Composed of 2 layers:
-Meningeal layer (deeper layer)
-Periosteal layer (superficial layer)
Epidural space
Between dura and skull; contains arteries and veins
Dural extensions
Form partitions between brain areas; provide support.
There are 4
Falx Celebri
Located on midline; separates R & L cerebral hemispheres
Tentorium cerebelli
Separates occipital and temporal lobes from cerebellum
Falx cerebelli
Separates left and right cerebellar hemispheres
Diaphragma sellae
Forms “roof ” over sella turcica of sphenoid bone
Choroid Plexus
a network of blood vessels in each ventricle of the brain. It is derived from the pia mater and produces the cerebrospinal fluid.
Blood-brain Barrier
Regulate what substances enter the brain.
Composed of specialized capillaries
-wrapped by astrocytes
-tight junction connection
4 Functional Regions of the Brain
-Brainstem
-Diencephalon
-Cerebrum
-Cerebellum
Gyri
Outer fold (top of bumps)
Sulci
Inner folds
Fissures (deep sulci)
Medulla
Inferior regions of the brainstem
Pyramids
Crossing of somatic motor axons
Cardiac centers
Regulate heart rate and force
Respiratory centers
Regulates respiratory rate
Vasomotor centers
Regulates blood pressure
Pons
Bulging regions on anterior brainstem.
Controls the rate of involuntary respiration.
Midbrain
Superior portion of the brainstem