Brain Anatomy & Regions
What are the four main regions of the brain?
Cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.
What three regions make up the brainstem?
the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
What aspect of mind is housed in the cerebral cortex?
consciousness - awareness, perception, and voluntary control
What three structures protect the spinal cord?
vertebrae, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
What are the three types of white matter tracts in the brain?
Commissural, association, and projection fibers
Which brain structure coordinates body movements and helps maintain balance?
the cerebellum
What midbrain structure acts in visual reflexes?
the superior colliculi
Name the three functional areas of the cerebral cortex.
Sensory areas, association areas, and motor areas
Name the three meningeal layers from outermost to innermost.
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
What is the largest commissural fiber connecting the two hemispheres?
the corpus callosum
What three paired structures make up the diencephalon?
thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus
What midbrain structures act in reflexive responses to sounds?
the inferior colliculi
The primary motor cortex is located in which lobe?
the frontal lobe
What structure produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
the choroid plexus
What structure of deep gray matter helps start, stop, and regulate voluntary movements?
the basal ganglia
What part of the brain is referred to as the "gateway to the cerebral cortex"?
the thalamus
What vital centers are located in the medulla oblongata?
cardiac, vasomotor, and medullary respiratory centers
Which area of the cerebral cortex is responsible for speech production?
Broca's area
What are two key functions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
It cushions the brain and spinal cord and helps remove waste.
What system of the brain is known as the "emotional brain"?
the limbic system
Which structure is known as the "master gland's master"?
the hypothalamus
Which part of the brainstem connects the cerebellum and cerebrum via fiber tracts called peduncles?
the pons
What part of the brain is responsible for understanding spoken words?
Wernicke's area
What does the blood-brain barrier do?
It prevents most blood-borne toxins from entering the brain.
What part of the brainstem maintains consciousness and alertness through widespread neural connections?
the Reticular Activating System (RAS)