Topic 5: Nervous System 3 - Integration and Control - Brain Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 3 areas of the brain?
A
- cerebrum
- Brain stem
- Hypothalamus
2
Q
What is the function of the cerebrum? (3)
A
- interpreting sensory info from general and special senses
- initiating and controlling skeletal muscle movement (motor areas and basal nuclei)
- memory and intellect
3
Q
Why is the cerebrum important in relation to the brain and spinal cord?
A
- relays info between different parts of the brain and/or spinal cord (association, commissural and projection tracts)
4
Q
What is the function of the brain stem?
A
- controls life-sustaining processes, like breathing and circulation
5
Q
What happens if the brain stem is functional, but higher centres are damaged?
A
- alive but. not aware
- no concscious control
6
Q
What are three parts of the brain stem?
A
- midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla
7
Q
What does the midbrain control?
A
- auditory and visual reflexes
- movement of eyes (vision), head and neck in response to visual/auditory stimuli
8
Q
What is the function of the pons?
A
- function w/ medulla to regulate breathing (pontine respiratory centres)
9
Q
What are the 3 functional regions of the medulla?
A
- decussation (crossing) of sensory and motor tracts
- Autonomic vital reflex centres
- other non-vital areas
10
Q
Give an example of decussation in medulla (2)
A
- left brain controls right skeletal muscles
- it receives sensory input from right side
11
Q
What are the 2 autonomic vital reflex centres? (2)
A
- respiratory area to drive breathing rate
- Cardiovascular centre
12
Q
What are the 2 areas of the cardiovascular centre, and what are their functions?
A
cardiac area - modifies heart rate
vasomotor area - controls blood vessel diameter
13
Q
What do the other non-vital areas of the medulla control?
A
- swallowing, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, etc.
