Week 1 Flashcards
Imaging Based Neuroanatomy
Term
Definition
Major Parts of the Brain
The brain consists of four major parts: brain stem, cerebellum, diencephalon, and cerebrum.
Cranial Meninges
Three layers protecting the brain: dura mater (outer), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (inner).
Blood Supply to Brain
Blood flows to the brain via vertebral and carotid arteries, and exits via jugular veins.
Brain’s Oxygen Consumption
The brain utilizes about 20% of the body’s oxygen supply.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances but can block therapeutic drugs.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Functions
CSF provides mechanical protection, homeostatic regulation, and circulation of nutrients.
CSF Formation
CSF is produced in the ventricles by the choroid plexuses from filtered blood plasma.
Thalamus Function
Acts as the brain’s relay center, transmitting sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus Function
Regulates homeostasis, including body temperature, hunger, and autonomic functions.
Cerebellum Function
Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture.
Cerebrum Function
Responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, memory, and voluntary movement.
Sensory Areas of Cerebral Cortex
Regions that process sensory information, such as touch, vision, and sound.
Motor Areas of Cerebral Cortex
Control voluntary muscle movements.
Hemispheric Lateralization
Refers to the functional differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Reticular Formation
A network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates sleep, alertness, and consciousness.
Brain Stem Components
The brain stem consists of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.
Medulla Oblongata Function
Controls heart rate, respiration, vasoconstriction, swallowing, coughing, vomiting, sneezing, and hiccupping.
Pons Function
Relays motor impulses from cerebrum to cerebellum and helps regulate breathing.
Midbrain Function
Conveys motor impulses, sends sensory impulses to the thalamus, and regulates auditory and visual reflexes.
Cerebellum Structure
Consists of two hemispheres and a central vermis, located in the inferior posterior cranial cavity.
Cerebellum Function
Coordinates skeletal muscle movement, maintains muscle tone, posture, and balance.
Diencephalon Components
Includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.
Thalamus Function
Acts as a relay station for all sensory impulses except smell.
