Brain Anatomy

neurons

receive and transmit info in nervous system

soma

cell body w nucleus

dendrite

branched, receive info

axon

long, thin fiber transmits signals from soma to other neurons

myelin sheath

insulating wrap around some axons, speed signals

degeneration of myelin sheath

muscle control loss

terminal buttons

knobs on axons, release neurotransmitters

neurotransmitter

messengers activate neurotransmitters

synapse

junction between neurons, where info transmits

glia

make up myelin sheath, nutrition, remove waste

glia dysfunction

schizophrenia, depression, pain

csf

nourish and cushion brain

lesioning

destroy piece of brain using electrode

electrical stimulation of brain

weak current to activate brain

CT

computer enhanced xray of brain

MRI

magnet and radio waves to map brain

PET

radioactive markers to map brain activity

3 brain regions

hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain

hindbrain parts

medulla, pons, cerebellum

medulla

unconscious functions

pons

sleep, arousal

cerebellum

little brain, movement, balance

midbrain

integrate senses, dopamine system (voluntary movement)

dopamine system decline

parkinson’s

reticular formation

through hindbrain and midbrain, reflex, breathing, sleep

forebrain parts

thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system

thalamus

all senses but smell pass, integrate senses

hypothalamus

auto nervous system, 4 fs

limbic system

loose network of structures along cerebral cortex, pleasure center

hippocampus

consolidate memories

amygdala

emotions, fear response

cerebrum

learning, thinking, consciousness

corpus callosum

connects hemispheres

occipital lobe

visual cortex

parietal lobe

somatosensory cortex

temporal lobe

auditory cortex

frontal lobe

motor cortex

mirror neurons

frontal lobe, activated by performing or seeing action

prefrontal cortex

decision making, self control

broca’s area

left frontal lobe, speech

wernicke’s area

left temporal lobe, comprehension