High-Yield Maps & Pathways

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to high-yield maps, brain pathways, cranial nerves, and anatomical structures.

Circle of Willis

Anastomotic structure of arteries supplying the brain, including anterior cerebral, anterior communicating, internal carotid, posterior communicating, and posterior cerebral arteries.

CSF Flow Sequence

Lateral ventricle → interventricular foramen → 3rd ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → 4th ventricle → median/lateral apertures → subarachnoid space → arachnoid granulations → superior sagittal sinus.

Cranial Nerve Foramina I-XII

The specific foramina through which cranial nerves pass: I cribriform; II optic canal; III/IV/VI/V1 superior orbital fissure; VII stylomastoid; VIII internal acoustic; IX/X/XI jugular; XII hypoglossal.

Orbit Bones

Frontal (roof), zygomatic (lateral), maxilla + palatine (floor), lacrimal + ethmoid (medial), sphenoid (posterior).

Calcarine Sulcus

A prominent sulcus that separates the primary visual cortex in the brain.

Prefrontal Lobes

The most rostral regions of the CNS involved in complex behaviors and decision making.

Wernicke’s Area

A region of the brain responsible for understanding language.

Broca’s Area

A region of the brain responsible for producing language.

Medulla Oblongata

The vital center regulating autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Somatosensory Association Cortex

Area involved in processing sensory information related to touch.

Optic Tract

A pathway for visual signals from the retina to the brain.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

A brain structure involved in regulating circadian rhythms.

Subarachnoid Space

The area within the meninges where cerebrospinal fluid circulates.

Tympanic Membrane

The eardrum, which transmits sound vibrations to the ossicles.

Arytenoids

Cartilages in the larynx that anchor the vocal folds.

Ethmoid Bone

Bone that supports the nasal cavity and forms part of the orbits.

Visual Pathway

Retina → optic nerve → chiasm → tract → LGN → radiation → primary visual cortex (V1).

Auditory Pathway

Cochlea → CN VIII → cochlear nuclei → inferior colliculus → MGN → temporal lobe.

Phases of Swallowing

Voluntary (tongue), pharyngeal (constrictors + epiglottis), and esophageal (peristalsis).

Neck Triangles

Anatomical regions of the neck categorized as anterior (submental, submandibular, carotid, muscular) and posterior (occipital, supraclavicular).

Ciliary Ganglion (CN III)

Autonomic ganglion controlling pupil constriction and lens shape.

Pterygopalatine Ganglion (CN VII)

Autonomic ganglion providing innervation for lacrimal and nasal glands.

Otic Ganglion (CN IX)

Autonomic ganglion that innervates the parotid gland.

Basal Nuclei

Group of nuclei in the brain involved in motor control.

Direct Pathway (Basal Nuclei)

Facilitates voluntary movement.

Indirect Pathway (Basal Nuclei)

Inhibits unwanted movements.

Limbic System Functions

Emotion (amygdala) and memory processing (hippocampus).

Thalamus Role

Acts as a relay station for sensory information (except smell).

Hypothalamus Role

Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, hormones, and autonomic functions.

Meninges Order

Dura mater (outer), arachnoid mater (middle), pia mater (inner).

Ventricles Connection

Lateral ventricle → 3rd ventricle (via Monro) → 4th ventricle (via aqueduct).

Sound Transmission Pathway

Tympanic membrane → ossicles → oval window → perilymph → basilar membrane → hair cells.

Linear Balance

Function of utricle (horizontal) and saccule (vertical) using otoliths.

Rotational Balance

Controlled by semicircular canals and the cupula.

True Vocal Folds

Also known as true cords, they vibrate to produce sound.

False Vocal Folds

Also known as vestibular folds, they serve a protective role.

Glottis

The space between the vocal folds.

Nasal Septum

Structure comprised of vomer, ethmoid perpendicular plate, and septal cartilage.

Paranasal Sinuses

Cavities within the skull including frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid cells.

Olfaction Pathway

Epithelium → cribriform plate → olfactory bulb → olfactory tract → temporal cortex.

Cranial Nerve I (CN I)

Responsible for the sense of smell.

Cranial Nerve II (CN II)

Responsible for vision.

Cranial Nerve III (CN III)

Controls movement of four extraocular muscles and pupil constriction.

Cranial Nerve IV (CN IV)

Innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

Cranial Nerve V (CN V)

Facial sensation and mastication.

Cranial Nerve VI (CN VI)

Controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye.

Cranial Nerve VII (CN VII)

Responsible for facial expressions and taste from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

Cranial Nerve VIII (CN VIII)

Responsible for hearing and balance.

Cranial Nerve IX (CN IX)

Taste from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue and parotid gland innervation.

Cranial Nerve X (CN X)

Innervates pharynx, larynx, and visceral organs.

Cranial Nerve XI (CN XI)

Controls sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Cranial Nerve XII (CN XII)

Controls movement of the tongue.

Bell’s Palsy

Condition resulting from CN VII lesion causing facial droop and loss of anterior 2/3 taste.

Tongue Deviation

Occurs towards the side of the CN XII lesion.

Pupil Constriction

Result of parasympathetic activation via CN III.

Lacrimal Gland Function (CN VII)

Produces tears via pterygopalatine ganglion.

Parotid Saliva Function (CN IX)

Stimulates saliva production via the otic ganglion.