Brain Anatomy and Function Flashcards

Flashcards about brain anatomy and functions based on lecture notes.

What is the function of the Frontal Lobe?

Decision making, planning, behavioral regulation

What is the function of the Parietal Lobe?

Sensory integration center

What is the function of the Occipital Lobe?

Processing and perceiving vision

What is the function of the Temporal Lobe?

Processing and perceiving sound, memory, recognition

What is the function of the Pyriform Lobe?

Involved in olfactory processing (scent)

What is the function of the Meninges?

Series of three tissue layers that cover and protect the brain

What is the location and function of the Dura Mater?

Tough, white, outermost layer on the outside of the brain; protects the brain

What is the location and function of the Arachnoid Mater?

Middle, web-like layer on the outside of the brain; protects the brain, encloses cerebrospinal fluid

What is the location and function of the Pia Mater?

Thin, transparent layer that is closest to the brain; protects the brain, encloses cerebrospinal fluid

What is the primary function of CSF?

Protects brain and allow for waste removal

What is the function of the Choroid Plexus?

Produces cerebrospinal fluid

What is the function of the Cerebellum?

Coordinating movement, maintaining balance and posture, predictive modeling, adaptive learning, emotional and social behavior coordination

What is the function of the Cerebellar Hemispheres?

Coordinating fine movement, enabling motor learning, predictive modeling

What is the function of the Cerebellar Vermis?

Regulating posture, locomotion, autonomic and affective responses

What is the function of the Mid-Brain?

Processes senses, controls movement, regulates consciousness and pain, enables learning through reward pathways

What is the function of the Superior Colliculus?

Processes visual information and coordinates eye and head movements accordingly

What is the function of the Inferior Colliculus?

Processes auditory information, localizes sound, acoustic startle reflex

What is the function of the Hypothalamus?

Regulates homeostasis and behavior; synthesizes hormones; controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, and the circadian cycle

What is the function of the Pons?

Sends signals to the cerebellum and forebrain; mediates sleep and arousal; regulates the rhythm and rate of breathing

What is the function of the Medulla?

Regulates breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure

What is the function of the Olfactory Bulb (I)?

Sensory: Process olfactory information

What is the function of the Optic Nerve (II)?

Sensory: Carries visual information

What is the function of the Oculomotor Nerve (III)?

Motor: Moves eyes up, down, and laterally; pupil constriction; eyelid elevation

What is the function of the Trochlear Nerve (IV)?

Motor: rotational eye movement

What is the function of the Trigeminal Nerve (V)?

Sensory: Information from the face skin, muscles, bone, and teeth, Motor: Biting, chewing, and swallowing

What is the function of the Abducens (VI)?

Motor: Controls lateral eye movement

What is the function of the Facial (VII)?

Sensory: Taste from the tongue, Motor: Facial expression, Parasympathetic: innervates salivary glands, and tear glands

What is the function of the Vestibulo-Cochlear Nerve (VIII)?

Sensory: Carries sound information from the cochlea, and proprioceptive / balance information from the vestibular system

What is the function of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX)?

Sensory: Taste from the tongue; sensations from the pharynx, Motor: Swallowing, Parasympathetic: salivation

What is the function of the Vagus (X)?

Sensory: Carries sensory information from the viscera of the abdomen and chest, Motor: controls muscles of the larynx and the soft palate, Parasympathetic: regulates heart rate and digestion

What is the function of the Spinal Accessory Nerve (XI)?

Motor: Controls the muscles of the neck and shoulders

What is the function of the Hypoglossal (XII)?

Motor: Controls the muscles of tongue

What is the function of the Pineal Body?

Produces melatonin (a hormone that regulates the circadian cycle)

What is the function of the Thalamus?

Relays sensory information (visual, auditory, etc.) to the cerebrum, motor activity relay to the spinal cord

What is the function of the Corpus Callosum?

Thick tract of myelinated axons that relay information between the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum

What is the function of the Cerebral Aqueduct?

Contains cerebrospinal fluid; connects 3rd and 4th ventricles

What is the function of the Septum Pellucidum?

Thin membrane that separates right and left lateral ventricles

What is the function of the Caudate Nucleus?

Motor, cognitive, emotional integration and learning center

What is the function of the Hippocampus?

Memory formation, spatial navigation, and emotional regulation