The Forebrain and Midbrain Flashcards
the Cerebral Cortex can be divided into…
the Neocortex,
the Olfactory Cortex,
and the Hippocampus.
the Neocortex has key sulci and gyri that can identify 4 main lobes…
the lateral sulcus,
the central sulcus,
the pre-central gyrus,
and the post-central gyrus.
where is the lateral sulcus located?
it separates the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe.
where is the central sulcus located?
it separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.
where is the pre-central gyrus located?
it is in front of the central sulcus.
where is the post-central gyrus located?
it is behind the central sulcus.
how many layers does the Neocortex have?
6 layers.
what is the first layer of the Neocortex (towards the outside / neural tissue layer)?
the molecular layer.
what is the second layer of the Neocortex?
the external granular layer.
what is the third layer of the Neocortex?
the external pyramidal layer.
what is the fourth layer of the Neocortex?
the internal granular layer.
what is the fifth layer of the Neocortex?
the internal pyramidal layer.
what is the sixth layer of the Neocortex (deeper into the brain)?
the fusiform layer.
how can we map the Neocortex?
using Brodmann’s cytoarchitectural map, and using lesions and direct stimulation.
what are non-invasive methods to map the Neocortex?
brain scanning - PET, fMRI, EEG.
the Hippocampus is found where? and has how many layers of cortex?
the Hippocampus is found in the temporal lobes and have only 3 layers of cortex.
the Thalamus is found where?
the Thalamus is found in the diencephalon, and has over 50 nuclei.
how is the Thalamus important?
is a big relay station for information, connecting to the Neocortex via projection fibres.
the Hypothalamus is found where?
it is around the third ventricle, and has 11 major nuclei.
how is the Hypothalamus important?
it is a master regulator for homeostasis, and links to ANS and the pituitary.
the dorsal aspect of the Midbrain can be divided into…
the superior colliculus (in rostral midbrain),
and the inferior colliculus (in the caudal midbrain).
what sensory info is processed in the superior colliculus?
visual information.
what sensory info is processed in the inferior colliculus?
auditory information.
the Midbrain is also made up of pathways involved in voluntary movements:
the substantia nigra and the red nucleus.
the Midbrain also has the cerebral aqueduct - how is this important?
the cerebral aqueduct is surrounded by periaqueductal grey tissue which is involved in the perception of pain.
