L06 - The Brain (LHS)

Homeostasis

The tendency of an organism to maintain internal stability and balance despite external changes.

Central Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

Forebrain

The front part of the brain involved in functions such as reasoning, emotions, and voluntary movement.

Midbrain

A small part of the brain that processes sensory information and helps regulate sleep and body temperature.

Hindbrain

The back part of the brain that includes the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum, controlling vital functions like breathing and coordination.

Medulla Oblongata

The lower part of the brainstem responsible for regulating autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

A part of the hindbrain that plays a key role in balance, coordination, and voluntary muscle movement.

Pons

A structure in the hindbrain that connects the cerebellum to the medulla and helps with various functions.

Brainstem

The section of the brain comprising the medulla, pons, and midbrain, essential for basic life functions.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain responsible for sensory and motor activities, divided into lobes like the frontal and temporal lobes.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum involved in higher brain functions, divided into lobes like the frontal and parietal lobes.

Grey Matter

Brain tissue containing neuron cell bodies and dendrites, where information processing occurs.

White Matter

Brain tissue consisting of myelinated axons that form the communication network of the brain.

Gyri

Folds on the brain's surface that increase surface area, aiding in cognitive functions.

Frontal Lobe

The brain region responsible for motor functions, language, and executive functions like decision-making.

Parietal Lobe

Brain area involved in processing sensory information, spatial awareness, and number processing.

Temporal Lobe

Brain region responsible for auditory processing, speech, and memory consolidation.

Occipital Lobe

Brain area primarily responsible for visual processing, recognition, and depth perception.

Thalamus

Brain structure that acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebrum and helps regulate wakefulness.

Hypothalamus

Brain region involved in regulating homeostatic functions and hormone release from the pituitary gland.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres, facilitating communication between them.

Pineal Gland

A small endocrine gland that produces melatonin and helps regulate sleep patterns.