Brain Structure
This part of the brain is responsible for voluntary movements and higher cognitive functions.
Cerebral cortex
This area of the cerebral cortex allows us to produce speech.
What is Broca’s area?
The spinal cord begins at this point in the skull.
foramen magnum
The type of cells that line the ventricles of the brain.
ependymal cells
Pathways that deliver motor commands from the brain to muscles
descending pathways
These are the four main regions of the adult brain
What are the cerebral hemisphere, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum?
The limbic system is mainly responsible for this function.
regulates emotion and memory
This spinal structure resembles a "horse's tail" and is a collection of nerve roots.
cauda equina
This fluid cushions the brain and fills the ventricles
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
This type of pathway carries sensory information to the brain.
ascending pathways
The lobe responsible for processing visual information.
occipital
This area helps us recognize faces and spatial relationships.
posterior association area
These are the two types of matter in the spinal cord.
gray matter and white matter
This tough outer layer of the meninges provides protection to the brain.
dura mater
This structure contains both ascending and descending fibers and controls vital reflexes.
spinal cord
This structure, known as the "little brain," coordinates movement and balance.
cerebellum
This part of the brain stem controls autonomic functions like heartbeat and breathing.
medulla oblongata
This part of the spinal cord carries motor information from the brain
ventral roots
The selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.
blood-brain barrier
This part of the diencephalon acts as a relay station for sensory information.
thalamus
What are the parts of the brain stem, and what do they do?
Midbrain-
pons-
medulla oblongata
The region of the brain responsible for complex learning, planning, and personality.
Anterior association area (prefrontal cortex)
The groove that divides the spinal cord into right and left halves on the anterior side?
ventral median fissure
This meningeal layer is closest to the brain and spinal cord.
pia mater
Pathway responsible for coordinated, precise movements involving the cerebellum.
spinocerebellar tract