BIOL2710 Brain and Cranial Nerves Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcard covering the anatomy and physiology of the brain, including gray and white matter, meninges, brain regions, and cranial nerves based on the Chapter 14 worksheet.

Gray matter

Nervous tissue that contains nerve cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses; it primarily functions to process information.

White matter

Nervous tissue composed of bundles of axons that functions to connect different parts of the brain.

Cortex

The surface layer of gray matter.

Nuclei

Deep gray matter masses located deeper than the cortex.

Dura mater

The outermost meningeal layer.

CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)

A fluid that protects the brain from trauma and reduces its weight.

Subarachnoid space

The space between meningeal layers that contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Choroid plexus

The structure responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Pia mater

The meningeal layer that tightly clings to the surface of the brain.

Lateral ventricles

Brain ventricles located in the cerebrum.

Third ventricle

A brain ventricle located in the diencephalon.

Fourth ventricle

A brain ventricle located between the brain stem and the cerebellum.

Medulla

Part of the brainstem that contains cardiac and respiratory centers and is the site where fibers cross over in the pyramids.

Pons

Part of the brainstem located above the medulla that helps regulate sleep and respiratory cycles.

Midbrain

A region of the brainstem involved in pain and reflexes.

Superior colliculus

A structure in the midbrain responsible for visual reflexes.

Cerebellum

A brain region divided into two hemispheres by the vermis, primarily responsible for coordination and balance.

Vermis

The structure that divides the cerebellum into two hemispheres.

Thalamus

A subdivision of the diencephalon that acts as a relay station to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

A subdivision of the diencephalon that controls internal balance (homeostasis), including body temperature and hunger.

Epithalamus

A subdivision of the diencephalon that contains the pineal gland.

Pineal gland

A gland in the epithalamus that secretes hormones.

Frontal lobe

Lobe responsible for personality, decision-making, and voluntary motor function.

Parietal lobe

Lobe responsible for processing sensory input; it contains the somatosensory cortex.

Temporal lobe

Lobe primarily responsible for hearing.

Gyrus

A ridge or fold on the surface of the cerebrum.

Sulcus

A shallow groove on the surface of the cerebrum.

Fissure

A deep groove on the surface of the cerebrum.

Somatosensory association cortex

An area that integrates sensory inputs to produce an understanding of an object being felt.

Primary motor cortex

Located in the frontal lobe, it is responsible for initiating voluntary movement.

Motor association areas

Areas responsible for planning and coordinating movements.

Basal nuclei

Clusters of gray matter located deep in the brain, associated with motor regulation.

Tracts

Bundles of axons in the white matter of the brain.

Association fibers

White matter fibers that connect different parts of the same cerebral hemisphere.

Commissural fibers

White matter fibers that connect corresponding areas of the two cerebral hemispheres.

Projection fibers

White matter fibers that connect the cerebrum to lower parts of the central nervous system (CNS).

Reticular formation

A functional brain area that filters sensory input and maintains alertness.

Hippocampus

A structure in the functional brain involved in memory formation.

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

The cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic nerve (CN II)

The cranial nerve responsible for carrying visual signals.

Vagus nerve (CN X)

A cranial nerve that controls thoracic and abdominal organs and affects heart rate.