07.3C U7P2 (PART C) Central Nervous System (NO Protection)

White matter

Myelinated nerve fibers (axons) found within brain and spinal cord that create pathways for the transmission of nerve impulses to and from the cortex

Gray matter

Nerve cell bodies and unmyelinated nerve fibers covering the outside (cortex) and patches inside (nuclei) of the brain

Cerebral cortex

The outermost portion of the cerebrum; composed of gray matter approx. 2-3 mm thick; receives sensory input and sends instructions to the muscles and glands for control of bodily movement and activity

Corpus callosum

The largest and densest bundle of white matter fibers within the cerebrum; forms the roof of the lateral ventricles and connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres

Cerebrum (Description)

The largest portion of the brain that is divided into left and right hemispheres; involved in thought judgment, memory, and discrimination

Cerebrum (Lobes)

This region of the brain is made of the:
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Occipital lobe
- Temporal lobe

Frontal lobe (Location)

Located at the front of the skull

Frontal lobe (Function)

A lobe of the brain that is responsible for decision-making, problem solving, planning, cognition and memory

Parietal lobe (Location)

Located in the middle portion of each cerebral hemisphere just posterior to the central sulcus

Parietal lobe (Function)

This lobe is associated with the perception of temperature, touch, pressure, vibration, pain, and taste & is involved in writing and some aspects of reading

Occipital lobe (Location)

Located in the most posterior region of the brain; involved in processing visual stimuli

Occipital lobe (Function)

Lobe of the brain responsible for vision and integrating visual processing (color, shape, distance)

Temporal lobe (Location)

Location of this lobe is anterior to the occipital lobe and on the side of the brain closest to the ears

Temporal lobe (Function)

Functions of this lobe include conscious perceptions of auditory and olfactory stimuli as well as dominance for language

Primary Visual Area (Function)

Receives input from the optic tract via the optic about shape, color, and movement of visual stimuli; radiations extending from the thalamus

Diencephalon (Structures)

A brain region that surrounds the midline 3rd ventricle and consists of the:

- Epithalamus
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary Gland

Diencephalon (Function)

A region of the brain that sits on top of the brain stem and is enclosed by the cerebral hemispheres; acts as a relay center for sensory information, controls both autonomic and endocrine functions, and works with limbic system

Epithalamus

Part of the diencephalon that forms the roof of the 3rd ventricle and is made up of cells that secrete CSF

Thalamus

Tract of nerves that surrounds the third ventricle; serves as a relay station to and from the cerebral cortex

Hypothalamus

Helps maintain homeostasis as it controls regulation of temperature, appetite, sex drive & sleep patterns, HR, BP, regulation of the endocrine system, especially the release of hormons from the anterior and posterior pituitary

Pituitary gland (hypophysis)

The master endocrine gland connected by a stalk to the hypothalamus

Pineal gland

An endocrine structure that makes up the epithalamus; secretes the hormone melatonin that aids in the regulation of day-night cycles and reproductive functions

Pons

Part of the brainstem that control respiration

Amygdala

Coordinates the actions of the autonomic & endocrine systems & is concerned with fear and memory

Reticular formation

An area in the central core of the brainstem that helps to control day/night cycles

Quadrigeminna

A structure in the midbrain that is composed of four rounded protuberances contained in the tectum (quadrigeminal plate)

Cerebral peduncles

A structure that is made up of large ropelike bundles anterior to the cerebral aqueduct composed of axons that are a direct extension of the fibers of the internal capsule & extend from the cerebral cortex to spinal cord

Medulla oblongata

Control many of the autonomic functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and vomiting

Cerebellum

Referred to as the "little brain"; attaches posteriorly to the brainstem and occupies the posterior cranial fossa

Ventricles

Four fluid filled cavities deep in brain

Choroid plexus

Produces cerebral spinal fluid

Limbic system

Emotional aspects of behavior (aggression, submission, and sexual behavior); memory, learning and general emotional responses

Brainstem

This region of the brain is made up of the:
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla oblongata

Cerebral aqueduct

Connects 3rd and 4th ventricle