Functional Anatomy of Brain

cerebral cortex

superficial thin layer of gray matter

functions of cerebral cortex

conscious thought, memory storage & processing, sensory processing, control of skeletal muscle

cerebellum

automatic processing center that coordinates and modulates motor commands from cerebral cortex

specific functions of cerebellum  

proprioceptor, visual, tactile, balance, and auditory sensations

cerebellum: adjusting postural muscles

modifies activities of brainstem centers

cerebellum: programming movements controlled at conscious/subconscious levels`

refines learned movement patterns, compares motor commands w/ proprioceptive info, makes adjustments as needed

ataxia

results from cerebellum damage/impairment. inability to coordinate muscle movement. if severe, person cannot sit or stand

gray matter function in cerebellar cortex

involuntary coordination and control of ongoing movements

gray matter function in cerebellar nuclei

involuntary coordination and control of ongoing body movements

white matter function in arbor vitae

connects cerebellar cortex and nuclei w/ cerebellar peduncles

white matter function in cerebellar peduncles superior

link cerebellum w/ midbrain, diencephalon, and cerebrum

white matter function in cerebellar peduncles middle

carry communications between the cerebellum and pons

white matter in cerebellar peduncles inferior

link cerebellum w/ medulla oblongata and spinal cord

white matter function in transverse pontine fibers

interconnected pontine nuclei w/ opposite cerebellar hemisphere

midbrain contains nuclei that

process visual & auditory info, control reflexes triggered by them, helps maintain consciousness, send info to thalamus

pons - connect cerebellum/brainstem

tracts and relay centers, somatic and visceral motor control

medulla oblongata

relays sensory info thru brainstem and to thalamus, regulates many autonomic functions

inferior olivary complex

relays info from red nucleus, other midbrain centers, and cerebral cortex to cerebellum

cardiovascular centers

regulate heart rate and force of contraction

respiratory rhythmicity centers

set basic pace of respiratory movements

gracile nucleus & cuneate nucleus

relay somatic info to the thalamus

cranial nerves

sensory and motor nuclei of five cranial nerves; nuclei relay ascending info from the spinal cord to higher centers

reticular formation

contains nuclei and centers that regulate vital autonomic functions; extends into pons and midbrain

ascending and descending tracts w/i funiculi

link the brain w/ the spinal cord

descending tracts

carry motor commands from higher centers of brain to nuclei of cranial or spinal nerves

ascending tracts

carry sensory info from brainstem nuclei to thalamus

transverse pontine fibers

link pontine nuclei w/ the cerebellum of opposite side

tectum (roof)

superior colliculi and inferior colliculi

superior colliculi

integrate visual info w/ other sensory inputs; initiate reflex response to visual stimuli

inferior fcolliculi

relay auditory info to medial geniculate body; initiate reflex responses to auditory stimuli

red nuclei

provide subconscious control of upper limb position and background muscle tone

substantia nigra

secretes neurotransmitter dopamine and inhibits activity in basal nuclei

reticular formation

processes incoming sensations and outgoing motor commands automatically; can initiate involuntary motor responses to stimuli; helps maintain consciousness

other nuclei/centers

are associated w/ cranial nerves III and IV

cerebral peduncles

connect primary motor cortex w/ motor neurons in brain and spinal cord; carry ascending sensory info to thalamus

diencephalon

structural/functional link between cerebral hemispheres and rest of CNS

thalamus

sensory relay/processing

hypothalamus

has centers involved w: emotions, autonomic function, and hormone production

corpora quadrennia

reflex centers for vision and hearing

pineal gland

responds to decreasing light from CN II to make melatonin; induces sleep

posterior commissure

connects language processing centers of both cerebral hemispheres

anterior commissure

connects structures of olfactory pathway, frontal cortex

choroid plexus

production and secretion of CSF and forms blood-CSF barrier

corpus collosum

connects corresponding regions of cerebral cortex of two hemispheres 

interventricular foramen

connects 3rd and lateral ventricles to allow CSF to flow

fornix

extends form hippocampus to mammillary bodies and functions in cognition, memory, and emotions

interthalamic adhesion

connects right and left thalamus

septum pellucidum

membrane separating left and right ventricles