a
what are the four major regions of the brain
cerebrum
diencephalon
cerebellum
brainstem
What are the three main functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
Buoyancy – reduces brain’s apparent weight by 95%
Protection – provides a liquid cushion
Environmental stability – transport of nutrients / wastes and protects against fluctuations
How does the blood-brain barrier protect nervous tissue?
Regulates which substances enter brain’s interstitial fluid
Helps prevent neuron exposure to harmful substances
What is the general function of the cerebral nuclei?
function: helps regulate motor output
What is the general function of the pons?
The pons, located in the brainstem between the midbrain and medulla oblongata, serves as a critical communication and coordination hub within the central nervous system.
Where is gray matter located within the cerebrum and
spinal cord?
cerebral cortex
inner region, forming the center of the spinal cord
where CSF is formed, where it circulates, and where excess CSF leaves the subarachnoid space.
CSF is primarily formed in the choroid plexuses, specialized networks of capillaries and ependymal cells located in the walls of the brain's ventricles.
CSF flows through the ventricular system and into the subarachnoid space
Excess CSF flows into arachnoid villi and drains into dural venous sinuses
In general, what is the purpose of the sensory and motor association areas?
The sensory and motor association areas of the brain are responsible for integrating, processing, and refining information related to sensory inputs and motor outputs
What is the general function of the thalamus?
The thalamus acts as the brain’s relay station and plays a central role in processing and transmitting sensory, motor, and other neural signals.
Where are the pyramids located, and what is their
function?
The pyramids are located on the anterior surface of the medulla oblongata
The pyramids are primarily involved in motor control and are key components of the corticospinal tracts, which carry motor signals from the brain to the spinal cord
From deepest (closest to the brain) to superficial (farthestaway from the brain), name the meninges and thespaces between the meninges.
1.pia mater
2. subarachnoid space
3. arachnoid mater
4. subdural space
5. dura mater
6. epidural space
What is the general function of the cerebrum?
Intelligence and reasoning
Thought, memory, and judgment
Voluntary control of skeletal muscle
Conscious perception of senses
Why does the prefrontal cortex perform differently in a
teenager versus an adult?
the prefrontal cortex is still developing in adolescence
How does the hypothalamus control our feelings of
hunger and thirst?
The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating hunger and thirst by monitoring the body’s internal state and maintaining homeostasis.
What are the main functions of the
medulla oblongata?
The medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, contains vital autonomic centers responsible for regulating critical involuntary functions essential for survival. These centers ensure proper control of cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive activities.
Where is the falx cerebri located, and what is its role?
Located on midline; projects into longitudinal fissure between cerebral hemispheres
stabilizes and supports the brain by restricting excessive movement of the cerebral hemispheres.
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
thick bundle of nerve fibers located beneath the cerebral cortex, connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
What portions of the brain are linked by each type of tract: (a) association, (b) commissural, and (c) projection tracts?
Association tracts: connect different regions within the same hemisphere of the brain.
Commissural tracts: connect corresponding regions of the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Projection tracts: link the cerebral cortex with lower regions of the brain (such as the brainstem and spinal cord).
What is the function of the substantia nigra, and what disease may affect its proper working?
Houses neurons producing dopamine. Involved in movement, emotions, pleasure and pain response
Its degeneration causes Parkinson disease
What are the primary functions of the
cerebellum?
The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain beneath the occipital lobe, plays a key role in regulating and coordinating motor activity, maintaining balance, and fine-tuning voluntary movements. While it does not initiate movement, it ensures movements are precise, smooth, and well-coordinated.
Where is the fourth ventricle located, and how does it
connect with the subarachnoid space?
sickle shaped space between pons and cerebellum
Connected to third ventricle by cerebral aqueduct. Opens to subarachnoid space medially and laterally. Narrows before merging with central canal of spinal cord
where are the lateral sulcus, central sulcus, and
parietooccipital sulcus located
lateral sulcus: Runs horizontally, separating the frontal lobe and parietal lobe from the temporal lobe
central sulcus: Extends vertically between the frontal lobe and parietal lobe on the lateral surface of the brain.
parietooccipital sulcus: Separates the parietal lobe from the occipital lobe.
What are the primary functions of the left cerebral
hemisphere? Of the right cerebral hemisphere?
Each hemisphere interacts with opposite side of body
• For example, left hemisphere receives sensory signals from right side of body and sends motor signals to right side of the body
• Some higher-order functions exhibit cerebral lateralization; they are primarily controlled by one side of the brain
• Speech is frequently located in left cerebral hemisphere
What parts of the midbrain contain paired visual and auditory sensory nuclei?
The midbrain contains paired sensory nuclei involved in processing visual and auditory information. These nuclei are part of the tectum.
What are the main functions of components of the limbic system
regulating emotions, memory, motivation, and behavior.