Week 4: Structural and Functional Organization of the Brain*

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on the structure and functions of the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear liquid that nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord, made up of water, sugar, electrolytes, proteins, and lymphocytes.

Ventricles

Four linked cavities within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Dural Folds

Extensions of the inner layer of the dura mater that provide additional support for the brain, including falx cerebri and falx cerebelli.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances by preventing most chemicals and pathogens in the blood from crossing.

Thalamus

The superior portion of the diencephalon that acts as a relay station for sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex, except for the sense of smell.

Hippocampus

A major component of the limbic system essential for storing memories and forming long-term memory.

Amygdaloid body

Part of the limbic system involved in emotions, especially fear.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements and maintaining posture and balance.

Grey Matter

The outer portion of the brain composed of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.

White Matter

The inner portion of the brain consisting of myelinated axons.

Corpus Callosum

The structure that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Somatosensory Cortex

Located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe, it processes sensory information from the body.

Primary Motor Cortex

Located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe, responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.

Hypothalamus

A structure that regulates the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, controlling body temperature, thirst, and hunger.

Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe that is important for speech production; damage can lead to Broca's aphasia.

Wernicke's Area

A region involved in speech comprehension; damage can lead to Wernicke's aphasia.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that acts as a bridge linking the medulla oblongata to other parts of the brain, involved in regulating respiration.

Medulla Oblongata

The lowest part of the brainstem that controls vital functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Insula

The fifth lobe of the brain involved in taste perception and integration of visceral sensations.

Limbic System

Network of structures in the brain that regulate emotions, memory, and certain aspects of behavior.