Neuroanatomy & Embryology Lecture – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering brain regions, embryology, protective structures, cerebrospinal fluid, clinical correlations, and cranial nerves for exam preparation.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, divided into four lobes and responsible for higher thought functions.

Frontal Lobe

Cerebral lobe involved in reasoning, planning, movement, and problem-solving.

Parietal Lobe

Cerebral lobe that processes sensory information such as touch and spatial awareness.

Occipital Lobe

Cerebral lobe primarily responsible for vision.

Temporal Lobe

Cerebral lobe involved in hearing, memory, and language.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer gray-matter layer of the cerebrum where conscious thought occurs.

Corpus Callosum

Large bundle of neural fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebellum

Brain region that coordinates voluntary movement, posture, and balance.

Diencephalon

Portion of the brain containing the thalamus and hypothalamus; sits atop the brainstem.

Thalamus

Major relay station for sensory information; contributes to consciousness.

Hypothalamus

Brain region regulating temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.

Brainstem

Structure comprising midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; controls basic life functions.

Midbrain

Brainstem segment processing visual and auditory information; involved in consciousness.

Pons

Brainstem structure that bridges the cerebellum with the rest of the brainstem.

Medulla Oblongata

Brainstem part controlling autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Gyri

Elevated ridges on the surface of the brain.

Sulci

Shallow grooves separating gyri on the brain surface.

Fissures

Deep grooves in the brain, such as the longitudinal fissure.

Longitudinal Fissure

Deep groove that divides the cerebrum into left and right hemispheres.

Lateral Fissure

Groove that separates the temporal lobe from frontal and parietal lobes.

Neural Tube

Embryonic structure that develops into the CNS (brain and spinal cord).

Primary Brain Vesicles

The three initial enlargements: prosencephalon, mesencephalon, rhombencephalon.

Prosencephalon

Primary forebrain vesicle that becomes the telencephalon and diencephalon.

Mesencephalon

Primary midbrain vesicle that persists as the adult midbrain.

Rhombencephalon

Primary hindbrain vesicle that becomes the metencephalon and myelencephalon.

Telencephalon

Secondary vesicle that develops into the cerebrum.

Metencephalon

Secondary vesicle that forms the cerebellum and pons.

Myelencephalon

Secondary vesicle that forms the medulla oblongata.

Ventricles

Four fluid-filled cavities in the brain containing cerebrospinal fluid.

Lateral Ventricles

Pair of ventricles where the choroid plexus produces much of the CSF.

Third Ventricle

Midline ventricle located within the diencephalon.

Fourth Ventricle

Ventricle located between the pons/medulla and cerebellum.

Choroid Plexus

Capillary-ependyma structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Clear fluid that provides nutrition, waste removal, and shock absorption for the CNS.

Ependymal Cells

Neuroglia lining ventricles; help secrete and circulate CSF.

Cranial Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura, arachnoid, pia) surrounding brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

Outermost tough meningeal layer (‘tough mother’).

Arachnoid Mater

Middle meningeal layer with web-like fibers (‘spider mother’).

Pia Mater

Delicate innermost meningeal layer adherent to brain surface (‘gentle mother’).

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Network of capillary tight junctions that restrict passage of substances into CNS tissue.

Selective Permeability (BBB)

Property allowing passage of O₂, CO₂, glucose, amino acids, alcohol, some anesthetics while blocking most drugs and pathogens.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

General term for a stroke caused by disrupted blood flow to brain tissue.

Aneurysm

Bulging weak spot in an artery wall that can lead to hemorrhagic stroke if ruptured.

Ischemic Stroke

CVA caused by blockage of a cerebral artery.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

CVA resulting from rupture of a cerebral blood vessel.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

‘Mini-stroke’ with temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain.

Zika Virus

Mosquito-borne virus that can cause fetal microcephaly when contracted during pregnancy.

Microcephaly

Condition where a baby’s head and brain are significantly smaller than normal.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves originating in the brain; designated by Roman numerals I–XII.

I – Olfactory Nerve

Cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

II – Optic Nerve

Cranial nerve transmitting visual information from the retina.

III – Oculomotor Nerve

Cranial nerve controlling most eye movements and pupil constriction.

IV – Trochlear Nerve

Cranial nerve that innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

V – Trigeminal Nerve

Cranial nerve for facial sensation and mastication muscles.

VI – Abducens Nerve

Cranial nerve that moves the eye laterally (lateral rectus muscle).

VII – Facial Nerve

Cranial nerve for facial expression, taste (anterior 2⁄3 tongue), and some glands.

VIII – Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Cranial nerve for hearing and balance.

IX – Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Cranial nerve for taste (posterior 1⁄3 tongue), swallowing, and carotid body reflexes.

X – Vagus Nerve

Cranial nerve supplying parasympathetic fibers to thoracic and abdominal organs.

XI – Accessory Nerve

Cranial nerve that controls sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

XII – Hypoglossal Nerve

Cranial nerve responsible for tongue movement.