Brain Organization, Protection, Blood Supply

A set of flashcards encompassing key terms and definitions related to the organization, protection, and blood supply of the brain as covered in the lecture.

Diencephalon

A major part of the brain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear, colorless fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Choroid Plexuses

Specialized tissue in the ventricles of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

A group of nuclei in the brainstem that regulate consciousness and alertness.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain responsible for hormone production and regulating body temperature, hunger, and circadian rhythms.

Medulla Oblongata

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

Falx Cerebri

An extension of the dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Pons

The section of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus; involved in regulating breathing.

Meninges

Three protective layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebral Aqueduct

The channel connecting the third and fourth ventricles in the brain through which cerebrospinal fluid flows.

Internal Jugular Veins

Veins that drain blood from the brain and return it to the heart.

Subarachnoid Space

The space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Decussation of Pyramids

The crossing of motor fibers in the medulla oblongata that leads to contralateral control of the body.

Arachnoid Villi

Projections of the arachnoid mater into the dural sinuses through which cerebrospinal fluid is absorbed.