structure of the brain

What structures make up the nervous system?

Brain, spinal cord and neurons

What is a ganglion?

A group of neuronal cell bodies

What is a gyrus?

A ridge formed by a fold in the brain

What is a sulcus?

A groove between folds of the brain

What are lobes?

Structural divisions of the cerebral cortex

Do brain lobes have completely separate functions?

No

What is the cerebral cortex?

The highly folded outer layer of the brain

Why is the cerebral cortex highly folded?

To fit more neurons into the brain

What is the role of the cerebral cortex in perception?

Processes sensory information

What is the role of the cerebral cortex in conscious thought?

Reasoning, decision-making and abstract thought

What is the role of the cerebral cortex in cognition?

Complex cognitive processing

What is the role of the cerebral cortex in movement?

Coordinates voluntary movement

What sensory information is processed by the cerebral cortex?

Vision and hearing

How does the cerebral cortex differ between higher and lower organisms?

It is more developed in higher organisms

What is the main function of the hippocampus?

Memory formation and learning

What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?

Creates memories

What is the role of the hippocampus in learning?

Involved in learning processes

What is the thalamus?

A sensory and motor relay centre

What is the main function of the thalamus?

Relays sensory and motor signals

What involuntary functions is the thalamus associated with?

Breathing and digestion

What is the main function of the cerebellum?

Movement control

What is the role of the cerebellum in movement?

Fine motor control

What is motor learning?

Improvement of movement through practice

Which brain region is important for motor learning?

Cerebellum

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Communication and relay centre

What information does the spinal cord carry from the brain?

Motor commands to the body

What information does the spinal cord carry to the brain?

Sensory information from the environment

What are ventricles?

Fluid-filled spaces in the brain

What is stored in the ventricles?

Cerebrospinal fluid

What is the pons?

A communication centre between brain regions

What is the role of the brainstem?

Communication between areas of the brain

What is the medulla oblongata?

An autonomic control centre

What happens in the medulla oblongata?

Regulation of blood pressure, heart rate and digestion

Which brain region regulates blood pressure?

Medulla oblongata

Which brain region regulates heart rate?

Medulla oblongata

Which brain region regulates digestion?

Medulla oblongata

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

A fluid containing water and dissolved ions

Where is cerebrospinal fluid found?

Ventricles of the brain

Does cerebrospinal fluid move between ventricles?

Yes

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid in nutrient transport?

Delivers nutrients and removes waste

How does cerebrospinal fluid help protect the brain?

Supports the blood-brain barrier

What is the role of cerebrospinal fluid in mechanical protection?

Maintains pressure and absorbs shocks

What is grey matter?

Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, synapses and axon terminals

What is the main function of grey matter?

Information processing

Which major brain structures are composed of grey matter?

Cerebral cortex and cerebellum

What is white matter?

Myelinated axons

What is the main function of white matter?

Communication between brain regions

What does white matter connect?

Different parts of the brain and spinal cord

Which is mainly associated with processing: grey matter or white matter?

Grey matter

Which is mainly associated with communication: grey matter or white matter?

White matter

What is the broad role of the brain?

Processing information

What is the broad role of the spinal cord?

Communication of information