Neuroscience Overview

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the neuroscience lecture notes, focusing on brain anatomy, physiological functions, and cranial nerve roles.

What is the main function of the thalamus?

It relays information to the cerebral cortex and acts as a gatekeeper of sensory information.

What connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle?

The interventricular foramen.

Which part of the brainstem is involved in processing visual and auditory data?

Midbrain.

What role does the medulla oblongata play?

It controls autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Which cranial nerves arise from the medulla oblongata?

IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), XI (Accessory), XII (Hypoglossal).

What are the main functions of the pons?

Relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum and is involved in sleep and respiration.

What do the pyramids in the medulla oblongata contain?

Motor tracts where decussation occurs.

What is the function of the red nucleus in the midbrain?

Involved in motor coordination.

What connects the third and fourth ventricles?

Cerebral aqueduct.

What is the main structure within the epithalamus?

Pineal gland.

How does the pineal gland contribute to homeostasis?

It regulates the sleep-wake cycle by secreting melatonin.

What fluid fills the ventricles of the brain?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What structures make up the cerebellum?

Cerebellar hemispheres, vermis, folia, and lobes (anterior, posterior, flocculonodular).

How does the cerebellum process information?

It receives sensory input, compares intended movements with actual movements, and issues commands to adjust position.

What are the three main types of fibers in the white matter of the cerebrum?

Association fibers, projection fibers, and commissural fibers.

What is the basal nuclei involved in?

Motor control; it receives cortical input and sends input to the motor cortex.

What is the main function of the limbic system?

Processes sensory stimuli and stimulates emotional responses.

What protects the brain?

The skull, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What is the function of dura mater?

To protect the brain and form sinuses that collect blood.

What fluid cushions the brain?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What areas are associated with the reticular formation?

Midline raphe nuclei, medial nuclear group, and lateral group.

What is the role of astrocytes in the blood-brain barrier?

They form tight junctions that limit the passage of harmful substances.

Where does the reticular activating system project neurons to?

To the cerebrum through the thalamus.

How is sensory information primarily processed in the frontal lobe?

Through decision making and motor control.

What cranial nerve is responsible for taste and swallowing?

IX (Glossopharyngeal).

What type of sensory function does the occipital lobe primarily manage?

Vision.

What is the role of the olfactory nerve?

Special sensory function for smell.

What is the anatomical term for the transverse fissure?

It separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum.

What does the corpus callosum connect?

The left and right hemispheres of the brain.

What is a major function of the temporal lobe?

Hearing and language processing.

What cranial nerve controls eye movement and pupil dilation?

Oculomotor nerve (III).

Which part of the brain is responsible for processing auditory reflexes?

Inferior colliculi of the midbrain.

What structure in the cerebellum adjusts posture to maintain equilibrium?

Flocculonodular lobe.

What does the central sulcus separate?

The frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

What effect does the hypothalamus have on emotional responses?

It regulates emotional responses and the autonomic nervous system.

What is the primary function of the primary motor cortex?

To control voluntary movements.

What connects the pons to the cerebellum?

Middle cerebellar peduncles.

What does the spinal cord connect to at the central canal?

The fourth ventricle.

What are the two main components of the autonomic system regulated by the hypothalamus?

The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

What cranial nerve is responsible for facial movement?

VII (Facial nerve).

What structure coordinates sensory input and motor output in the limbic system?

Cingulate gyrus.

What part of the brain is primarily involved in homeostatic functions such as temperature regulation?

Hypothalamus.

What is the function of the superior cerebellar peduncles?

To connect the cerebellum to the midbrain.

What type of sensory information is processed in the insula?

Taste and visceral sensations.

What cranial nerve controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye?

VI (Abducens nerve).

What is the primary function of the hippocampal formation?

To code, retrieve, and consolidate memories.

What are the main lobes of the brain?

The main lobes of the brain are the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe.

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions, including reasoning, planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and motor function.

What is the function of the parietal lobe?

The parietal lobe processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain, and is involved in spatial awareness and navigation.

What is the function of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing and interpretation.

What is the function of the temporal lobe?

The temporal lobe is involved in auditory processing, memory formation, and language comprehension.

What are the primary types of fibers in white matter?

The primary types of fibers in white matter are association fibers, commissural fibers, and projection fibers.

What are association fibers in white matter?

Association fibers connect different regions within the same hemisphere of the brain, facilitating communication between cortical areas.

What are commissural fibers in white matter?

Commissural fibers connect corresponding regions of the two cerebral hemispheres, with the corpus callosum being the largest commissural fiber system.

What are projection fibers in white matter?

Projection fibers connect the cerebral cortex with lower parts of the brain and the spinal cord, enabling communication between the brain and body.