Week 21

Question 1

Human brain: Development and structure?

Answer 1

CNS develops from embryonic neural tube

Anterior end of the neural tube folds, swells and becomes the major divisions of the brain: Forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.

The posterior end becomes the spinal cord

Question 2

What are the 3 regions of the brian?

Answer 2

Forebrain: Cerebral hemisphere, thalamus

Midbrain: Superior and inferior colliculi

Hindbrain: Cerebellum, pons, medulla

Question 3

Functions of the brain parts?

Answer 3

Frontal lobe: Concentration, planning, speech, motor control, smell

Parietal lobe: Touch and pressure, taste, body awareness

Temporal lobe: Hearing, facial recognition

Cerebellum: Coordination

Occipital lobe: Vision

Question 4

Structure of the brain: Forebrain?

Answer 4

Consists of the Diencephalon which consists of the thalamus and hypthalamus

Thalamus: Sensory relay centre for info going into cerebral cortex

Hypothalamus: Sends hormones and controls pituitary gland’s function. Regulated body temp, sleep pattern, hunger and thirst

Question 5

Structures of the brain: Midbrain and hindbrain

Answer 5

Midbrain: Processes auditory and visual information

Brainstem is made up of the midbrain, ponds and medulla, regulates breathing circulation and some motor functions

Hind brain: Made up of the brainstem and the cerebellum

Question 6

Cerebellum?

Answer 6

Located at the back of the head, below the temporal and occipital lobes and above the brainstem

Two hemispheres

Coordinates fine voluntary muscle movements, maintains posture and balance

Has roles in thought, emotions and social behaviour as well as it’s possible involvement in addiction, autism and schizophrenia

Question 7

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 7

Regulates the flow of hormones from the the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testicles

Question 8

What is the role of the Amygdala:

Answer 8

Regulates emotion, memory, role in brains reward system as well as stress and fight or flight response

Question 9

What is the role of the hippocampus?

Answer 9

Part of the hippocampal formation

Supports memory, learning, navigation and perception of space. Receives input from the cerebral cortex and may play a role in alzheimers

Question 10

What is the role of the pineal gland?

Answer 10

Responds to light and dark, secretes melatonin which regulates circadian rhythms

Question 11

What are ventricles?

Answer 11

Communicating network of 4cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid, located within brain parenchyma

Question 12

Ventricles info?

Answer 12

2 lateral ventricles, 3rd ventricle is called the cerebral aqueduct and the 4th ventricle

Interconnect between the hemispheres

Question 14

Blood supply to the brain?

Answer 14

Vertebral and carotid arteries

External carotid arteries extend up to the side of the neck

Internal carotid arteries branch into the skull and circulate blood to the front of the brain

Vertebral arteries follow the spinal column into skull, join together at brainstem forming basilar artery which supplies blood to rear of the brain

Question 15

What is the circle of willis?

Answer 15

Loop of arteries connecting anterior and posterior circulations of the brain

Question 16

Brain coverings: Meninges

Answer 16

3 protective layers that surround the brain and spinal cord

Outermost (1): Duramater
Thick and tough, made of 2 layers, periosteal layer (lines cranium), meningeal layer

Arachnoid mater (2): Thin weblike connective tissue, CSF below arachnoid mater

Pia mater (3): Thin membrane, many veins and arteries