Brain Structure and Function Flashcards

Flashcards to review the structure and function of the brain.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into lobes with different functions.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain, responsible for motor control, balance, and coordination.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord; controls basic life functions.

Motor Area

Area of the brain containing motor neurons that send impulses to skeletal muscles, controlling movement.

Sensory Area

Area of the brain that receives information from sense organs (receptors).

Frontal Lobe

Involved in higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and personality.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensation.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information (vision).

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information (hearing).

Motor Cortex

Responsible for the planning and control of voluntary movement.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes somatic sensations.

Spinal Cord

Connects the brain to the rest of the body.

Medulla Oblongata

Passes impulses to the brain and assists with breathing and circulation.

Thalamus

Deals with sensations.

Corpus Callosum

Bundle of neurons joining the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Hypothalamus

A structure involved in various functions.

Pons

Structure involved in sleep, breathing, and circulation.

Gyri

The 'bumps' that can be seen on the surface of the brain.

Sulci

The grooves on the surface of the brain.

Grey Matter

Brain tissue containing neurons that are less myelinated.

White Matter

Brain tissue that is more myelinated.

Longitudinal fissure

Main fissure that separates the two hemispheres of human brains.