neuroscience: parts of the brain

meninges

3 layers of tissue to provide protection ot the brain and spinal cord

dura mater

outermost layer; it is tough and leathery

arachnoid mater

this is the middle layer; it is delicate and impermeable

pia mater

the innermost layer, it adheres to the surface of the brain, covering the gyri and descending into the sulci

spinal cord

located within the vertebral column- transfers information between CNS and PNS

medulla

includes neurons that maintain normal, rhythmic breathing

pons region

includes axons that allow the cerebellum to communicate with the brainstem and cerebral cortex

midbrain

superior and inferior colliculi: localization of visual and auditory stimuli

cerebellum

aids the motor cortices in planning complex movements; error correction when learning movements: compares intended movement with actual movement and corrects errors that might occur- synapses change with experience

diencephalon

contains thalamus and hypothalamus

thalamus

located rostral to the midbrain; relay for information goin g into and coming from the neocortex

hypothalamus

located below the thalamus; regulates the autonomic nervous system; regulates hormone release

cerebral cortex

processing of sensory input; initiation and planning of movements; higher order functions including memory cognition, language

central sulcus

separates parietal and frontal lobes

lateral fissure

separates the temporal lobe from those surrounding it

longitudinal fissure

separates the two hemispheres of the brain

postcentral gyrus

directly caudal to the central sulcus; contains the primary somatosensory cortex, which processes touch and pain information

precentral gyrus

directly rostral to the central sulcus; contains the primary motor cortex, which helps plan movements and sends motor signals to the spinal cord

occipital lobe

early stage vision

parietal lobe

somatosensory (touch and pain); late stage vision

temporal lobe

memory, heqaring, language comprehension

frontal lobe

planning and signaling movements; working memory; inhibition of inappropriate behaviors; planning

limbic system

a group of interconnected structures that are related to emotional behavior and emotional interpretation of the world