The Brain

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the brain, its structures, functions, and anatomy.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Includes the brain and spinal cord; involved in movement, interpreting sensory information, and maintaining homeostasis.

Cerebrum

The structure of the brain responsible for higher mental functions.

Sulci

Grooves found on the surface of the cerebrum.

Gyri

Ridges found on the surface of the cerebrum.

Fissures

Deep grooves in the surface of the cerebrum.

Frontal Lobes

The most anterior lobes of the cerebrum; responsible for planning, executing movement, and complex mental functions.

Parietal Lobes

Lobes located just posterior to the frontal lobes; responsible for processing sensory information.

Temporal Lobes

Lateral surfaces of each cerebral hemisphere; involved in hearing, language, memory, and emotions.

Occipital Lobes

Located at the posterior aspect of each cerebral hemisphere; responsible for vision.

Insula

Deep brain structures involved in sensorimotor functions, pain, high-level attention, and decision-making.

Cerebral Cortex

The gray matter covering the cerebral hemispheres; functionally the most complex part of the cortex.

Primary Motor Cortex

Area responsible for planning and executing movement, located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe.

Upper Motor Neurons

Interneurons in the primary motor cortex connecting to other neurons, involved in conscious movement planning.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex (S1)

Receives sensory input about temperature, touch, vibration, pressure, stretch, and joint position.

Auditory Cortex

Located in the superior temporal lobe; receives auditory information.

Gustatory Cortex

Processes information about taste.

Vestibular Areas

Located in the parietal and temporal lobes; responsible for equilibrium and positional sensations.

Limbic System

A collection of brain structures involved in memory, learning, emotion, and behavior.

Thalamus

The main entry point into the cerebral cortex; nearly all stimuli destined for the cortex pass through here.

Hypothalamus

A collection of nuclei regulating autonomic nervous system activities, such as thirst, hunger, and body temperature.

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain, controlling basic homeostatic functions like heart rate and breathing.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and makes adjustments based on the intended versus actual movement.

Reticular Formation

Collection of nuclei in the brainstem involved in sleep, pain transmission, and mood regulation.