Week 3: The Cerebrum Flashcards
what is the cerebrum ?
the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. it is responsible for all higher cognitive functions: reading, writing, speaking math, science, music, memory, imagination.
what are the main components of the cerebrum ?
- outer cerebral cortex: largely gray matter
- inner cerebral white matter
- gray matter nuclei embedded in the white matter
what is the cerebral cortex ?
the outermost layer of the cerebrum consisting of gray matter. it contains billions of neurons. this is the area that grows the most during brain development. the white matter that grows out from the neurons creates folds called gyri.
gyrus vs sulci vs fissures ?
gyri: raised ridges on the surface of the brain.
sulci: shallow grooves between two gyri on the surface of the brain.
fissures: deep grooves that separates major brain regions/hemispheres.
what is the longitudinal fissure ?
a deep groove that divides the brain into left and right hemispheres.
what is the central sulcus ?
the central sulcus is a groove that separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.
what is the precentral gyrus ?
the gyrus located in front of the central sulcus in the frontal lobe. it contains the primary motor cortex, responsible for voluntary movement.
what is the postcentral gyrus ?
the gyrus located behind the central sulcus in the parietal lobe. it contains the primary somatosensory cortex. it is responsible for pain, pressure, temperature, touch, etc. it is not responsible for the 5 special senses.
what is the parieto-occipital sulcus ?
a sulcus that separates the parietal and occipital lobe.
what is the lateral cerebral sulcus ?
separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.
what is the transverse fissure ?
the deep groove separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
what is the insula ?
located deep within the lateral cerebral sulcus.
what are association tracts ?
they connect different regions within the same hemisphere of the brain.
what are commissural tracts ?
connect the right and left hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between the two.
corpus callosum: largest commissural tract.
what are projection tracts ?
connect the cerebral cortex with lower brain regions, allowing communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
what is the sensory homunculus ?
a map that represents the sensory processing of different body parts and which ones have higher sensitivity.
MOST IS IN HANDS, FACE, TONGUE, FEET
what is the motor homunculus ?
a map that represents the motor control of different body parts. the size of each body part corresponds with how much motor control it requires. it is located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe. MOST IS IN HANDS, MOUTH, FEET, FACE.
where is the primary visual area ?
the primary visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe.
where is the primary gustatory area ?
the primary gustatory area is located in the insula and extends into the parietal lobe.
where is the primary auditory area located ?
the primary auditory area is located in the temporal lobe.
where is the premotor cortex located ?
located in the frontal lobe in front of the primary motor cortex.
where is the speech area located ?
brocas area/speech area is located in the frontal lobe.
