Brain Basics & Nervous System Functions Category
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
What is the outermost layer of the cerebrum called?
Cerebral cortex.
What is the second largest part of the brain?
Cerebellum.
What structure is known as the “gateway to the cerebral cortex”?
Thalamus.
How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
12 pairs.
Name the three functions of the nervous system
Sensory, integrative, motor
Which lobe is the primary visual center?
Occipital lobe.
What white matter pattern in the cerebellum is called the “tree of life”?
Arbor vitae.
Which part of the diencephalon regulates hormone secretion and autonomic functions?
Hypothalamus.
Which cranial nerve controls smell?
Olfactory nerve (CN I).
What type of cell conducts impulses in the nervous system?
Neurons.
Which lobe controls voluntary motor functions and social judgment?
Frontal lobe.
Name one non-motor function of the cerebellum.
Timekeeping, sensory evaluation, emotional regulation, or spatial perception.
Which gland secretes melatonin to regulate circadian rhythm?
Pineal gland (epithalamus).
Which cranial nerve is responsible for facial expression?
Facial nerve (CN VII).
What chemical substances allow neurons to communicate?
Neurotransmitters.
What structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres?
Corpus callosum.
What are the four major parts of the brainstem?
Diencephalon, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata
Name two functions of the hypothalamus.
Thermoregulation, food/water intake, sleep/wake rhythm, emotional behavior, hormone secretion.
Name the three meninges from innermost to outermost.
Pia mater, arachnoid mater, dura mater.
What structure speeds conduction of nerve impulses?
Myelin sheath.
Name all five lobes of the cerebrum.
Frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, insula.
Which brainstem structure regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing?
Medulla oblongata.
Which brain structure is considered the “master gland” because it controls many body functions by secreting hormones?
Pituitary gland.
Recite the mnemonic for cranial nerve names.
“Oh Once One Takes The Anatomy Final, Very Good Vacations Are Heavenly.”