Week 5

Question 1

Amygdala

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Basal Ganglia

Answer 2

Nuclei deep withing the cerebral hemispheres, involved in movement initiation and termination and including the caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, amygdala and claustrum.

Question 3

Brainstem

Answer 3

Stem that connects brain to spinal cord. 3 major divisions - Medulla Oblongata, Pons, Midbrain

Question 4

Caudate nucleus

Answer 4

Part of the basal ganglia. Controls movement, learning, and emotions.

Question 5

Cerebellum

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Cranial nerves

Answer 6

12 paired cranial nerves, originating from, forebrain, midbrain, pons and medulla
Responsible for various functions including general (motor and sensation) and special senses

Question 7

Decussation

Answer 7

To cross over the midline

Question 8

Dessucation of the pyramids

Answer 8

Pyramidal dessucation of the medulla

Question 9

Diencephalon

Answer 9

Subcortical structure involved in motor control and sensory processing, including thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and optic tract

Question 10

Epithalamus

Answer 10

Contains pineal gland, function large endocrine system. Involved in sleep wake/cycle. To do with alertness/ability to stay awake

Question 11

Globus Pallidus

Answer 11

Most superficial nucleus of basal ganglia. Involved in regulation of muscle tone

Question 12

Hippocampus

Answer 12

Structure of limbic mode involved in memory

Question 13

Hypothalamus

Answer 13

Inferior to thalamus. Regulation of behaviour, desire, appetite, satiation, metabolic function, temperature

Question 14

Limbic System

Answer 14

CNS structures responsible for mediation of motivation and arousal, including the hippocampus, amygdala, dentate gyrus, singulate gyrus and fornix

Question 15

Medulla

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Midbrain

Answer 16

Contains nuclei for eye movement and auditory processing. Home to superior and inferior colliculi (paired structures). Contains substantia nigra - produced dopamine

Question 17

Pons

Answer 17

Bridge (in Latin) - medulla and midbrain. Important for motor and sensory information

Question 18

Putamen

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Pyramidal tracts

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Subcortex

Answer 20

Immediately below cortex. Contains diencephalon, basal ganglia/nuclei, hippocampal formation, limbic system (most of the components.

Question 21

Substantia Nigra

Answer 21

Part of the basal ganglia. Produces inhibitory neurotransmitter to thalamus. Also sends afferents and receives efferent fibres.

Question 22

Subthalamic nucleus

Answer 22

Part of the basal ganglia. Produces glutamate (neurotransmitter) - sends excitory information to globus pallidus

Question 23

Subthalamus

Answer 23

Under the thalamus - involved in the control of movement

Question 24

Thalamus

Answer 24

All sensation travels through thalamus except smell. Pain and temperature perceived at his level

Question 25

Tracts

Answer 25

Bundles of fibres (neurons)