Neuroanatomy of the Brain

KAY EMM ESSSSS

Describe Cerebral Cortex and it’s parts.

Outermost bumpy layer. Divided into left and right hemispheres by the midline. Sylvian fissure separates the parietal lobe. Central sulcus divides frontal and temporal lobes. Folds are gyri, and furrows are sulci.

Frontal lobe functions

Specialized for movement, language production (broca’s), complex cognitive functions like thinking, planning, memory, and judgment.

Parietal lobe functions

Sensory processing/integration, touch information

Occipital lobe functions

Visual processing

Temporal lobe functions

Auditory processing, language comprehension (wernicke’s)

Functions of the hindbrain and parts

Vital functions: breathing, heart rate, swallowing, body rhythms, consciousness, coordinated movement, and equilibrium.
Medulla, Cerebellum, Pons, Reticular Formation.

Medulla

Autonomic vital functions (heart rate and respiration).
If a stroke occurs in this region, it’s very dangerous; if you survive, you may get locked-in syndrome
Contains the reticular formation

Pons

Coordination and communication center.
Connects midbrain and medulla

Reticular Formation

Sleep and arousal.
Involved with PTSD (arousal system, is a hyperactive reticular system)
Cluster of cells in medulla

Cerebellum

Central regulation of movement, balance, posture, and some learning.
Big folded area behind brain.

Functions of the midbrain and parts

Basic sensory processing, control of voluntary movement
Tegmentum, Tectum, Substancia Nigra

Tegmentum

Basic movement and alertness
‘Covers’Tectum

Tectum

Involved in processing. Superior (vision) and inferior (auditory processing) colliculi.
Four bumps behind tegmentum

Substancia Nigra

Parkinson's disease is linked to the degradation of the substantia nigra
Black substance

Functions of the forebrain and parts

Houses the Basal Ganglia and Limbic System
Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Cerebral Cortex

Basal Ganglia function

Motor control. Motor disorders are often due to issues in the basal ganglia.
The substantia nigra is partially part of this
Has the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus.

Limbic System function

Involved in emotion, learning, and memory. Note: Emotion is linked to memory.
Amygdala, hippocampus, and cingulate gyrus

Thalamus

Relay system for sensory information; separates and redirects. (*Signals go through the thalamus before going throughout the rest of the brain

Hypothalamus

Regulates biological needs and basic drives. Manages hunger and thirst signals. Involved in the endocrine and hormone system

Cerebral Cortex

Complex cognitive abilities and sensory processing.
The two hemispheres.