L1 The Brain: Anatomy and Functional Areas

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomical subdivisions, matter distribution, lobes, fissures, and functional cortical areas of the brain as presented in the NU3047 and NU3089 lecture.

What is the cerebrum and what does it consist of?

The cerebrum is the largest portion of the brain, consisting of the right and left hemispheres, and is responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, action, and sensory processing.

What is the thalamus and its function?

The thalamus is a structure within the cerebrum that acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals, directing them to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

What is the brainstem and its importance?

The brainstem is the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

What is the cerebellum and its role?

The cerebellum is a structure located behind the brainstem that coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture.

What are nuclei in the brain?

Nuclei are collections of gray matter located deep within the brain that perform specific functions related to processing and relay of information.

What is the cortex and what is it made of?

The cortex is the outer surface of the cerebrum composed of gray matter, where higher-level processing and cognition take place.

What are gyri?

Gyri are the folds found on the surface of the cerebrum that increase the brain's surface area, allowing for more neurons and cognitive functioning.

What are sulci?

Sulci are the depressions found between the gyri on the cerebral surface, important for delineating brain regions.

What is a fissure in the cerebral cortex?

A fissure is a deep sulcus in the cerebral cortex, indicating significant separations within the brain structure.

What is the longitudinal fissure and its function?

The longitudinal fissure is the deep groove that separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres, facilitating specialized functions in each hemisphere.

What is the lateral sulcus and what does it separate?

The lateral sulcus separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes, influencing auditory processing.

What is the central sulcus and its significance?

The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes and is significant for organizing motor and sensory functions.

What is white matter and its composition?

White matter consists of myelinated axons that facilitate communications within the brain and spinal cord.

What are tracts in the brain?

Tracts are bundles of axons in white matter that travel to similar destinations, critical for efficient communication.

What is gray matter and its components?

Gray matter is composed of unmyelinated axons, cell bodies, dendrites, and neuroglia, primarily involved in processing and cognition.

How is the spinal cord matter arranged?

In the spinal cord, white matter is located on the outer surface while gray matter is arranged deeper in an H-shape, which is essential for reflexes.

What is the precentral gyrus and its function?

The precentral gyrus is located in the frontal lobe and serves as the primary motor cortex, controlling voluntary movements.

What is the postcentral gyrus and its role?

The postcentral gyrus is located in the parietal lobe and acts as the primary somatic sensory cortex, responsible for processing tactile information.

What is the corpus callosum and its purpose?

The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

What characterizes the dominant hemisphere?

The dominant hemisphere, usually the left side (95% of right-handed individuals), is responsible for language, mathematics, and logical reasoning.

What is the nondominant hemisphere and what does it handle?

The nondominant hemisphere is usually the right side, handling spatial perception, face recognition, and musical abilities.

What is a motor homunculus?

A motor homunculus is a representation of the motor cortex where body parts are depicted according to the precision of their movements.

What is the function of the premotor area?

The premotor area, located in the frontal lobe, coordinates skilled, repetitive activities and prepares the motor cortex for movement.

What is Broca's area and its role in speech?

Broca's area, situated in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere, is vital for the production of speech and the articulation of thoughts.

What is a sensory homunculus?

A sensory homunculus is a representation of the somatic sensory cortex where the size of areas correlates with the density of sensory receptors.

What is the primary olfactory cortex?

The primary olfactory cortex is a sensory area located in the temporal lobe, responsible for processing smell.

What does the primary auditory cortex do?

The primary auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, processes auditory information and sound perception.

What is the primary visual cortex and its location?

The primary visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe and is responsible for processing visual information.

What functions are associated with Wernicke's area?

Wernicke's area is located in the dominant hemisphere and is crucial for understanding spoken language and formulating meaningful responses.

What is dysphasia / aphasia and its causes?

Dysphasia / aphasia is the absence or impairment of speech or language comprehension due to lesions affecting the speech