Brain Anatomy & Function

Flashcards for Brain Anatomy & Function - Study Guide

Subarachnoid space

Between the arachnoid and pia mater

Subdural space

Between the dura mater and arachnoid

Epidural space

Between the dura mater and skull (or vertebrae in spinal cord)

Frontal lobe

Anterior region of the brain

Parietal lobe

Posterior to frontal, superior to occipital lobe

Occipital lobe

Posterior region of the brain

Central sulcus

Groove separating frontal and parietal lobes

Longitudinal fissure

Separates left and right hemispheres of the brain

Precentral gyrus

Primary motor cortex (anterior to central sulcus)

Postcentral gyrus

Primary somatosensory cortex (posterior to central sulcus)

White Matter Structures

Corpus callosum, Septum pellucidum, Internal capsule

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Provides buoyancy, offers protection, controls chemical environment

Hypothalamus Functions

Control of autonomic and endocrine systems, regulation of body temp, food/water intake, sleep rhythms, emotional behavior

Cranial Dural Septa

Falx cerebri, Tentorium cerebelli, Falx cerebelli, Diaphragma sellae

Temporal Lobe Function

Hearing and smell

Parietal Lobe Function

Sensory, texture/shape

Occipital Lobe Function

Vision and memories

Frontal Lobe Function

Motor control, speech, planning, personality

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Drugs, waste, blood, ions, hormones, pathogens, proteins, large/water-soluble molecules

Sleep

Natural, temporary absence of consciousness; includes REM and non-REM phases

Sensory Relay Center

Thalamus

Olfactory Nerve

Smell (Sensory)

Optic Nerve

Vision (Sensory)

Oculomotor Nerve

Eye movement (Motor)

Trochlear Nerve

Superior oblique (Motor)

Trigeminal Nerve

Facial sensation, chewing (Mixed)

Abducens Nerve

Lateral rectus (Motor)

Facial Nerve

Facial expression, taste (Mixed)

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Hearing, balance (Sensory)

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Taste/touch, pharynx (Mixed)

Vagus Nerve

Viscera, pharynx/larynx (Mixed)

Accessory Nerve

Neck, pharynx (Motor)

Hypoglossal Nerve

Tongue (Motor)

Primary Cortical Areas

Motor cortex, Somatosensory cortex, Visual cortex, Auditory cortex, Olfactory cortex, Gustatory cortex

Cerebellar Coordination

Ensures smooth muscle movement, stores learned patterns, regulates motor pathways