Brain Structure and Functions POWERPOINT 3

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to brain structure and functions.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that adjusts postural muscles and fine-tunes movements.

Folia

Highly folded neural cortex on the surface of the cerebellum that increases surface area.

Purkinje Cells

Large, branched cells found in the cerebellar cortex that receive extensive synaptic input.

Arbor Vitae

The highly branched internal white matter of the cerebellum.

Cerebellar Nuclei

Embedded in the arbor vitae, relay information to Purkinje cells.

Peduncles

Tracts that link the cerebellum with the brain stem, cerebrum, and spinal cord.

Ataxia

A disorder of the cerebellum characterized by disturbed muscle coordination.

Thalamus

Part of the diencephalon that filters sensory information for the primary sensory cortex.

Hypothalamus

Integrates autonomic functions and links nervous and endocrine systems.

Mammillary Bodies

Part of the hypothalamus that processes olfactory and other sensory information.

Infundibulum

A narrow stalk connecting the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.

Autonomic Centers

Regions in the hypothalamus that control autonomic functions.

Supraoptic Nucleus

Hypothalamic nucleus that secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Oxytocin (OT)

Hormone secreted by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Circadian Rhythms

Natural internal processes regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

Limbic System

A functional grouping that establishes emotional states and facilitates memory storage.

Cingulate Gyrus

Part of the limbic system involved in emotional processing.

Hippocampus

Critical for memory formation and spatial navigation.

Amygdaloid Body

Part of the limbic system involved in emotions and fear responses.

Precentral Gyrus

Area of the frontal lobe responsible for voluntary motor control.

Postcentral Gyrus

Area of the parietal lobe that processes somatic sensory information.

Gyri

Elevated ridges on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

Grooves or folds that separate gyro on the cerebral cortex.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The left and right divisions of the cerebrum, responsible for different functions.

Corpus Callosum

A band of fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Basal Nuclei

Masses of gray matter embedded in the white matter of the cerebrum, involved in motor control.

Projection Fibers

Connect the cerebrum to lower areas of the brain and spinal cord.

Visual Cortex

Region of the cerebrum that processes visual information.

Auditory Cortex

Area responsible for processing sound information.

Olfactory Cortex

Region involved in the perception of smell.

Gustatory Cortex

Part of the brain that processes taste information.

Wernicke's Area

Region responsible for language comprehension, often found in the left hemisphere.

Speech Center

Area associated with coordinating vocalization functions.

Frontal Eye Field

Involved in the control of eye movements.

Integrative Centers

Regions that receive and process complex sensory information.

Functional Lateralization

The tendency for some cognitive processes to be more associated with one hemisphere than the other.

Dominant Hemisphere

Usually the left hemisphere in right-handed individuals, associated with language and analytical tasks.

Non-dominant Hemisphere

Often the right hemisphere, involved in spatial and artistic tasks.

Somatic Sensory Association Area

Interprets sensory input from the primary sensory cortex.

Visual Association Area

Interprets activity in the visual cortex for image recognition.

Auditory Association Area

Monitors and interprets auditory information.

Prefrontal Cortex

Region for abstract thought and decision making.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum responsible for higher brain functions.

Sensory Cortex

Area that receives and processes sensory information from the body.

Motor Cortex

Region that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Neural Cortex

The outer layer of the brain composed of gray matter.

Hippocampus Formation

Includes the hippocampus, crucial for memory and spatial navigation.

Thalamic Nuclei

Rounded masses in the thalamus that relay sensory information.

Circumventricular Organs

Regions in the brain where the blood-brain barrier is absent, allowing for interaction with the blood.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals across synapses.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves originating in the brain that primarily control functions of the head and neck.

Spinal Cord

Bundle of nerves that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All neural tissue outside the CNS.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system.

Cognitive Functions

Mental processes including attention, memory, language, and problem-solving.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the ANS that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the ANS that conserves energy and promotes resting functions.

Neurology

The branch of medicine dealing with the nervous system.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord; regulates vital functions.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brain stem that regulates heart rate and breathing.

Pons

Bridge between cerebellum and rest of the brain; involved in sleep regulation.

Midbrain

Part of the brain stem involved in vision, hearing and motor control.

Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF)

The flow of blood in the brain, essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Hypothalamo-hypophyseal Axis

The connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland influencing hormone release.

Neurtransmission

The process by which signals are transmitted across synapses between neurons.

Cognition

Mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought.

Self-regulation

The ability to control one's emotions, behaviors, and thoughts in pursuit of long-term goals.

Cerebellar Dysfunction

Impairment of movement coordination caused by cerebellar damage.