Chapter 14: Brain Protection and Anatomy

These flashcards cover the key concepts discussed in Chapter 14 regarding brain protection and anatomy, including the structure and functions of different brain regions.

What are the primary structures that protect the brain?

The cranial bones and the meninges.

What is the order of the meninges from superficial to deep?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

What is the falx cerebri?

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

What type of meninge is the falx cerebri?

It is part of the dura mater.

What does the falx cerebri do?

It helps anchor the brain within the skull.

Where does the falx cerebri attach?

It attaches to the crista galli of the ethmoid bone and the internal surface of the skull.

What is the Blood Brain Barrier?

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances.

What cells help form the Blood Brain Barrier?

Endothelial cells of the brain capillaries, astrocytes, and pericytes.

How does CSF provide mechanical protection?

CSF cushions the brain by providing buoyancy and reducing the weight of the brain.

How does CSF provide chemical protection?

CSF helps maintain a stable chemical environment for the brain.

How does circulation help maintain brain homeostasis?

It ensures a constant supply of nutrients and removal of waste products.

Where is CSF produced?

CSF is produced in the choroid plexus of the ventricles.

Where does CSF enter the circulatory system?

CSF enters the circulatory system through the arachnoid villi into the superior sagittal sinus.

What are the ventricles in the brain?

The lateral ventricles, third ventricle, fourth ventricle.

What does it mean to say the cerebral hemispheres are contralateral?

Each hemisphere controls functions on the opposite side of the body.

What is the left hemisphere responsible for controlling?

The left hemisphere is typically responsible for language and analytical tasks.

What is the right hemisphere responsible for controlling?

The right hemisphere is typically responsible for spatial abilities and creative tasks.

What are the 4 divisions of the brain?

Cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, brainstem.

Where is gray and white matter organized in the brain?

Gray matter is on the surface (cortex), while white matter is beneath it.

What is the general function of the Brainstem?

It controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

What are the three parts of the Brainstem?

Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What is the reticular formation?

A network of neurons that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and levels of alertness.

What are the functions of the Medulla Oblongata?

It regulates vital functions like heart rate and blood pressure.

What cranial nerves are attached to the Medulla Oblongata?

CN IX (glossopharyngeal), CN X (vagus), CN XI (accessory), and CN XII (hypoglossal).

What are the functions of the Pons?

It relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum, and regulates breathing.

What cranial nerves are attached to the Pons?

CN V (trigeminal), CN VI (abducens), CN VII (facial), and part of CN VIII (vestibulocochlear).

What are the functions of the Midbrain?

It is involved in vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, and arousal.

What cranial nerves are attached to the Midbrain?

CN III (oculomotor) and CN IV (trochlear).

Where are the remaining cranial nerves located?

They originate from various regions of the brainstem and spinal cord.

What are the functions of the cerebellum?

It coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture.

Where is the Diencephalon located?

It is located beneath the cerebrum and above the brainstem.

What are the three structures of the Diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Describe the function of the thalamus.

It acts as the main relay station for sensory information.

Describe the function of the hypothalamus.

It regulates homeostasis, endocrine functions, and controls the autonomic nervous system.

Describe the function of the epithalamus.

It includes the pineal gland which regulates circadian rhythms.

What is the cerebral cortex?

The outer layer of gray matter on the cerebral hemispheres.

What are the sensory, motor, and association areas?

Sensory - receive sensory information; Motor - control voluntary movements; Association - integrate information.

Know the locations of the frontal lobe.

The frontal lobe is located at the front of the brain.

What is the specific area found in the precentral gyrus?

The primary motor cortex.

What is the specific area found in the postcentral gyrus?

The primary somatosensory cortex.

What does the corpus callosum do?

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

What are the functions of the 5 lobes in the cerebrum?

Frontal - movement, planning; Parietal - sensory processing; Occipital - vision; Temporal - hearing; Insula - sensory integration.

What are basal nuclei?

Clusters of gray matter involved in the regulation of voluntary motor activities.

Where are the basal nuclei located?

Deep within the cerebral hemispheres.

What are the functions of the limbic system?

It is involved in emotions, memories, and arousal.

What are the names and Roman numerals of the 12 cranial nerves?

I - Olfactory, II - Optic, III - Oculomotor, IV - Trochlear, V - Trigeminal, VI - Abducens, VII - Facial, VIII - Vestibulocochlear, IX - Glossopharyngeal, X - Vagus, XI - Accessory, XII - Hypoglossal.

Which cranial nerves are sensory?

I (Olfactory), II (Optic), VIII (Vestibulocochlear).

Which cranial nerves are motor?

III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), VI (Abducens), XI (Accessory), XII (Hypoglossal).

Which cranial nerves are mixed?

V (Trigeminal), VII (Facial), IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus).