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Human Physiology
Cerebrum
Largest Section of Brain
What is the function of the cerebrum
Associated with sensory/motor functions; higher mental functions (memory/reasoning)
Contains the left/right cerebral hemispheres
Cerebrum (Contains)
Left hemisphere function
Language, speech, wrighting, reading, complex analytical skills
Right hemisphere function
Nonverbal functions, musical patterns, body kinesthetics, emotions
Corpus Callosum
Deep bridge of nerve fibers that connect hemispheres
Convolutions
gyri (ridges) on surface of cerebrum
Sulcus
Shallow groove
Fissure
Deep Groove
Lobes
Frontal, parital, temporal, occipital
Cerebral Cortex
Outermost portion of cerebrum
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Completely surrounds brain & SC
Diencephalons
Between cerebral hemispheres/above midbrain
What does the diencephalon contain?
Thalamus, hypothalamus, optic tracts, optic chiasma, pituitary gland, pineal gland, limbic system
What does the Thalamus do
Receives all sensory info
What does hypothalamus do
Maintains homeostasis
Brain Stem
Bundle of nervous tissue that connects cerebrum to SC
Functions of Brain Stem
Connects various parts of Nervous System and regulates visceral activities
Midbrain
Visual reflex centers, auditory reflex centers
Pons
Sensory impulses, breathing (rounded bulge on underside
Medulla Oblongata
All nerve fibers must pass through here (pons to foramen magnum)
Three important parts of the Medulla Oblongata
Cardiac center, vasomotor, respiratory
Cardiac Center
controls heartrate
Vasomotor
Controls vasoconstriction/vasodilation of blood vessels
Respiratory
Controls Breathing
Reticular Activation System (RAS)
Responsible for wakefulness and if damaged could result in coma
Cerebellum
Located posterior to pons and Medulla Oblongata (primarily white matter)
Function of Cerebellum
Coordinate voluntary muscular movements
Cerebellar Cortex
Thin gray matter on surface of cerebellum
CNS depressants
sedation, anesthesia, respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, death
Example: Valium, Xanax, Alcohol
CNS Stimulants
Arrives quickly to brain stem; VERY easily addictive; euphoria; sudden death
Example: Crack/cocaine, amphetamines, Ecstasy, caffeine, nicotine
Hallucinogens
Causes sensory perception with no external stimuli; cause illusions/distortions, greatly overestimate abilities
Example: LSD, marijuana, PCP
Opiates
Very powerful painkillers; very highly addictive; base is opium plant
Example: Heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycontin
What is the function of the meninges?
Extends inward between lobes of the brain and forms supportive and protective partitions.
What are the 3 meninge layers?
Arachnoid mater, Dura mater, pia mater
Arachnoid Mater
Thin weblike membrane (middle layer)
Pia Mater
Innermost layer, “hugs” the brain and spinal cord
Subarachnoid Space
Where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is
Epidural Space
Outside of dura mater; having and “blank” requires putting certain medicine in this space
Dura mater
Means “tough mother” (outer covering)
Subdural Space
Subdural hematomas occur here; cause swelling and blood accumulation around brain
Subdural hematoma
Blood that accumulate below the dura mater
What builds up that causes the risk of fatality in a subdural hematoma?
pressure
Motor
Bring impulse from cortex to effectors
Sensory
From receptors to cortex
Association
Figure it out “tell you what it is”
Optic Tract and Opic Chiasma
Vision
Pituitary Gland
Master Gland
Pineal Gland
Very Small
Limbic System
Controls Emotions
Abor Vitae
Treelike pattern of white matter surrounded by gray matter
