The Brain: Structure & Function

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the structure, function, and embryonic development of the human brain as presented in the lecture notes.

Medulla oblongata

The most inferior part of the brainstem, continuous with the spinal cord, containing the cardiovascular center and medullary respiratory center.

Pyramids

Longitudinal ridges on the medulla oblongata that contain motor tracts.

Decussation of the pyramids

The point in the medulla where motor tracts cross, resulting in contralateral control of the body.

Pons

The brainstem region that acts as the main connection between the cerebellum and brain stem; its name means 'bridge'.

Cerebral peduncles

Motor tracts located within the midbrain, the superior portion of the brainstem.

Superior Colliculi

Visual reflex centers located in the midbrain.

Inferior Colliculi

Auditory reflex centers located in the midbrain.

Epithalamus

A region of the diencephalon that houses the pineal gland.

Pineal gland

An endocrine structure in the epithalamus that secretes melatonin to help regulate circadian rhythms (day-night cycles).

Thalamus

Oval masses of gray matter that serve as a relay station for all conscious senses except smell.

Hypothalamus

The region of the diencephalon located below the thalamus that acts as the master control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the endocrine system.

Infundibulum

The stalk that extends from the hypothalamus to connect it to the pituitary gland.

Cerebellum

The brain region responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, posture, balance, and storing motor memory.

Proprioception

The awareness of where the body is in space.

Frontal lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for voluntary motor function, concentration, verbal communication, decision-making, and personality.

Primary motor cortex

Located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe, it contains neurons that control voluntary muscle movement.

Parietal lobe

The cerebral lobe involved in processing sensory information such as touch, pain, and pressure, as well as proprioception.

Primary somatosensory cortex

The functional region located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe.

Temporal lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for the integration of hearing and smell.

Occipital lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for processing visual information and storing visual memories.

Insular lobe

A lobe located deep to the lateral sulcus that is involved in processing taste.

Motor Speech Area (Broca area)

Located inferolaterally on the left frontal lobe, it is responsible for controlling the movements necessary for speech.

Wernicke area

A cortical region typically on the left side involved in recognizing, understanding, and comprehending spoken or written language.

Agnosia

The inability to recognize objects, faces, or colors, often associated with damage to the visual association area.

Association tracts

White matter tracts that connect different areas of the cerebral cortex within the same hemisphere.

Commissural tracts

White matter tracts that connect the two cerebral hemispheres; the corpus callosum is the primary example.

Projection tracts

Ascending or descending tracts that connect the cerebrum with inferior brain regions and the spinal cord.

Cerebral nuclei

Paired masses of grey matter nestled deep within the cerebrum that help regulate motor output initiated by the cerebral cortex.

Petalias

Term used to describe asymmetries in the projections of the cerebral hemispheres.