Neuroanatomy and Brain Function: Meninges, Ventricles, and Cortex

Which meningeal layer is delicate, attached directly to the brain, and follows its contours?

Pia mater

Which space contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Subarachnoid space

Which meningeal layer is the tough, outer covering of the brain?

Dura mater

What is the difference between cerebral nuclei and ganglia?

Nuclei are clusters of cell bodies in the CNS; ganglia are clusters of cell bodies in the PNS.

Where is gray matter found in the cerebrum?

In the cerebral cortex and cerebral nuclei.

What composes white matter in the cerebrum?

Myelinated axons forming tracts.

Which structures make up the brainstem?

Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Which structures make up the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

What is the function of the choroid plexus?

Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What is the function of arachnoid villi?

Reabsorbs CSF into venous blood.

Where are venous sinuses located?

Within the dura mater.

Where is the third ventricle located?

In the diencephalon.

Where is the fourth ventricle located?

Between the pons/medulla and cerebellum.

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Coordinates balance, posture, and fine-tuned movements.

What is the primary function of the limbic system?

Emotion and memory.

Which major structures belong to the limbic system?

Amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, fornix.

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

Relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

What are three key functions of the hypothalamus?

Regulates body temperature, hunger/thirst, and the autonomic nervous system.

Which hormone does the pineal gland (epithalamus) secrete?

Melatonin.

Where is the primary motor cortex located?

In the precentral gyrus.

Where is the primary somatosensory cortex located?

In the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe.

Which lobe processes vision?

Occipital lobe.

Which lobe processes auditory input?

Temporal lobe.

Which lobe processes taste (gustation)?

Insula.

What is the function of Broca's area?

Speech production.

What is the function of Wernicke's area?

Language comprehension.

Which brain structure is essential for forming new memories?

Hippocampus.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Which brain region regulates heart rate, breathing, and other autonomic functions?

Medulla oblongata.

What is the primary function of the pons?

Relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum.

What structure connects the third and fourth ventricles?

Cerebral aqueduct.

Which brain region contains the corpora quadrigemina?

Midbrain.

What is the function of the superior colliculi?

Visual reflexes (eye movement in response to visual stimuli).

What is the function of the inferior colliculi?

Auditory reflexes (startle reflex to sound).

What is the function of the gnostic area?

Integrates sensory, visual, and auditory information into a common understanding.

What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?

Personality, judgment, and decision-making.

Which ventricles are paired and located in the cerebral hemispheres?

Lateral ventricles.

What is the function of the basal nuclei?

Regulate voluntary movements and prevent unwanted movements.

Which structure of the limbic system links emotions with hypothalamic responses?

Amygdala.

Which area of the brain controls skeletal muscle activity on the opposite side of the body?

Primary motor cortex.