Week 5 Flashcards
Amygdala
Part of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotional processing (particularly fear and anxiety), memory consolidation, and decision-making. Helps to initiate the body’s “fight or flight” response, which is a physiological reaction to stress. It is also involved in the processing of other emotions, such as pleasure, happiness, and sadness.
Basal Ganglia
Nuclei deep withing the cerebral hemispheres, involved in movement initiation and termination and including the caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, amygdala and claustrum.
Brainstem
Stem that connects brain to spinal cord. 3 major divisions - Medulla Oblongata, Pons, Midbrain
Caudate nucleus
Part of the basal ganglia. Controls movement, learning, and emotions.
Cerebellum
Posterior aspect of hind brain
Responsible for co-ordination of motor control with sensory information - Balance, movement in space, fine motor control
Communication via superior, middle and inferior cerebellar peduncles
Cranial nerves
12 paired cranial nerves, originating from, forebrain, midbrain, pons and medulla
Responsible for various functions including general (motor and sensation) and special senses
Decussation
To cross over the midline
Dessucation of the pyramids
Pyramidal dessucation of the medulla
Diencephalon
Subcortical structure involved in motor control and sensory processing, including thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and optic tract
Epithalamus
Contains pineal gland, function large endocrine system. Involved in sleep wake/cycle. To do with alertness/ability to stay awake
Globus Pallidus
Most superficial nucleus of basal ganglia. Involved in regulation of muscle tone
Hippocampus
Structure of limbic mode involved in memory
Hypothalamus
Inferior to thalamus. Regulation of behaviour, desire, appetite, satiation, metabolic function, temperature
Limbic System
CNS structures responsible for mediation of motivation and arousal, including the hippocampus, amygdala, dentate gyrus, singulate gyrus and fornix
Medulla
Point where brainstem connects to spinal cord. Contains nuclei that ensure vital systems like cardiovascular and respiratory systems are working properly. Also has nuclei that are responsible for some reflexive actions. Eg vomiting, swallowing, coughing, sneezing.
Midbrain
Contains nuclei for eye movement and auditory processing. Home to superior and inferior colliculi (paired structures). Contains substantia nigra - produced dopamine
Pons
Bridge (in Latin) - medulla and midbrain. Important for motor and sensory information
Putamen
A small structure in the brain that is part of the basal ganglia. involved in movement (regulates voluntary movement such as reaching and grasping), control, learning, and reward processing. Is also involved in the formation of habits and automatic behaviours.
Pyramidal tracts
Originate in the cerebral cortex and descend through the brainstem and spinal cord to connect with the muscles of the body. Responsible for controlling fine motor movements, such as those involved in writing, typing, and playing musical instruments. They also play a role in controlling larger movements, such as walking and running.
Subcortex
Immediately below cortex. Contains diencephalon, basal ganglia/nuclei, hippocampal formation, limbic system (most of the components.
Substantia Nigra
Part of the basal ganglia. Produces inhibitory neurotransmitter to thalamus. Also sends afferents and receives efferent fibres.
Subthalamic nucleus
Part of the basal ganglia. Produces glutamate (neurotransmitter) - sends excitory information to globus pallidus
Subthalamus
Under the thalamus - involved in the control of movement
Thalamus
All sensation travels through thalamus except smell. Pain and temperature perceived at his level
Tracts
Bundles of fibres (neurons)
