Cerebral Hemispheres and Diencephalon

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the central nervous system, focusing on cerebral white matter, basal nuclei, and the diencephalon.

Cerebral White Matter

The second of the three basic regions of the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for communication between cerebral areas and between the cortex and lower CNS.

Association Fibers

Horizontal running fibers that connect different parts of the same hemisphere.

Commissural Fibers

Horizontal fibers that connect gray matter of two hemispheres.

Projection Fibers

Vertical fibers that connect hemispheres with lower brain or spinal cord.

Basal Nuclei

A group of nuclei in each hemisphere that includes the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus; involved in muscle movement and cognition.

Thalamus

An egg-shaped structure that makes up 80% of the diencephalon and acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

The main visceral control center vital to homeostasis, regulating autonomic nervous system functions.

Epithalamus

The most dorsal portion of the diencephalon, containing the pineal gland that secretes melatonin.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brain stem that blends into the spinal cord and regulates autonomic functions such as heart rate and respiration.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that processes input for coordinated skeletal muscle movements and balance.