BIOL 243L Lab 10 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key structures, functions, and concepts related to the brain and cranial nerves as outlined in Lab 10.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Dura venosa sinuses

Spaces formed by the dural reflections that collect venous blood from the brain.

Falx cerebri

A sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that dips between the cerebral hemispheres.

Falx cerebelli

A small, sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellar hemispheres.

Tentorium cerebelli

A horizontal fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced in the choroid plexus that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Choroid plexus

A network of ependymal cells and blood vessels in the ventricles that produces CSF.

Circle of Willis

A circular network of arteries at the base of the brain that provides collateral blood flow.

Prosencephalon

The forebrain, which includes the telencephalon and diencephalon.

Telencephalon

Part of the forebrain that develops into the cerebral hemispheres.

Diencephalon

Part of the forebrain that includes structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Mesencephalon

The midbrain, which is part of the brainstem.

Rhombencephalon

The hindbrain, which divides into the metencephalon and myelencephalon.

Basal nuclei (basal ganglia)

Group of nuclei in the brain involved in the regulation of voluntary motor movements.

Corpora quadrigemina

Four nuclei in the midbrain involved in visual and auditory reflexes.

Pons

A part of the brainstem that relays signals between the cerebellum and cerebrum and regulates breathing.

Medulla oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Cerebellum

A brain structure that regulates movement, balance, and coordination.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, responsible for various functions.