Functions and Anatomy of the Brain

Vocabulary flashcards from lecture notes covering important brain structures, functions, and related concepts.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Cranium

The bony skull that encases and protects the brain.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe located at the back of the brain, responsible for visual processing.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe located above the occipital lobe that plays a role in processing sensory information.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe located at the front of the brain, involved in decision making, problem solving, and planning.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with voluntary motor control and learning.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe located beneath the parietal lobe, involved in processing auditory information and memory.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture and balance.

Medulla Oblongata

A part of the brainstem that regulates vital body functions, including heart rate and breathing.

Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges that protect the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrient transport.

Thalamus

A relay station in the brain that processes and transmits sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that controls hunger, thirst, sleep, and circadian rhythms.

Hydrocephalus

A condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain.

Aphasia

A language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate.

Limbic System

A complex set of structures in the brain that deal with emotions and memory.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp.

Cranial Nerves

A set of twelve nerves that originate from the brain and control various functions of the head and neck.