Anatomy of the Brain and Spinal Cord

These flashcards outline the key terms and definitions related to the anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, covering structures like meninges, major brain regions, olfactory and visual structures, endocrine components, and ventricular systems.

Meninges

Protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

Tough, outermost layer of the meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

Web-like middle layer of the meninges located between the dura mater and pia mater.

Pia Mater

Thin, delicate inner layer of the meninges that directly covers the brain and spinal cord surface.

Cerebral Hemispheres

Two halves of the cerebrum, located on the left and right sides of the upper brain.

Longitudinal Fissure

Deep groove separating the two cerebral hemispheres, running front to back along the midline of the cerebrum.

Cerebrum

Largest brain part that controls voluntary actions, thinking, and emotions.

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of nerve fibers connecting the cerebral hemispheres, located deep in the center of the brain.

Olfactory Bulbs

Structures that process smells, located at the front underside of the brain.

Olfactory Tracts

Carry smell signals from the bulbs to the brain, extending from the olfactory bulbs.

Optic Chiasma

Where optic nerves partially cross, located at the base of the brain.

Optic Nerves

Transmit visual information from the eyes to the brain, extending from the eyes to the optic chiasma.

Infundibulum

Stalk connecting the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, located below the hypothalamus.

Pituitary Gland

Master hormone gland that hangs below the brain via the infundibulum.

Mammillary Bodies

Involved in memory and located as part of the hypothalamus near the pituitary area.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis such as temperature and hunger, located below the thalamus.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory information situated at the center of the brain.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem that controls reflexes related to vision and hearing.

Cerebral Peduncles

Nerve fiber bundles located at the front part of the midbrain.

Oculomotor Nerves

Cranial nerves that control eye movement originating from the midbrain.

Pons

Structure that links the medulla and thalamus, involved in breathing regulation.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate, located at the lowest part of the brainstem.

Spinal Cord

Sends signals between the brain and body, extending downward from the medulla.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance, located below the cerebrum and behind the brainstem.

Corporas Quadrigemina

Four bumps on the brainstem that are involved in reflexes.

Superior Colliculi

Top pair of the corpora quadrigemina that control visual reflexes.

Inferior Colliculi

Bottom pair of the corpora quadrigemina that control auditory reflexes.

Pineal Gland

Produces melatonin, participating in sleep cycles, located deep in the brain near thalamus.

Lateral Ventricle

CSF-filled cavity located in each cerebral hemisphere.

Septum Pellucidum

Thin membrane separating the lateral ventricles located between the left and right lateral ventricles.

Fornix

Arch-shaped tract involved in memory, located beneath the corpus callosum.

Third Ventricle

CSF-filled space located between the thalamus in the midline of the diencephalon.

Cerebral Aqueduct

Connects the third and fourth ventricles, running through the midbrain.

Fourth Ventricle

CSF-filled space located near the brainstem and cerebellum.

Central Canal

CSF-filled tube in the spinal cord located at the center of the spinal cord.

Arbor Vitae

Tree-like white matter of the cerebellum located inside the cerebellum.

Gray Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies, located in the outer brain and inner spinal cord.

White Matter

Contains myelinated nerve fibers located in the inner brain and outer spinal cord.