Neuroanatomy and Functions of CNS Structures: Grey Matter, White Matter, Brain Stem, Diencephalon, Cerebral Cortex, and Limbic System

grey matter

surrounds hollow central cavities in CNS, forms h shaped region of spinal cord, dorsal half contains cell bodies of motor neurons

Where is white matter located in the CNS?

External to grey matter

What does white matter consist of?

Axons passing between specific regions of the CNS

tracts

bundles of axons in the CNS

brain stem

Includes midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What is one general function of the brain stem?

Passageway for all fiber tracts running between cerebrum and spinal cord.

What does the brain stem innervate?

The face and head.

What type of behaviors does the brain stem produce?

Automatic behaviors needed for survival.

What types of reflexes does the brain stem integrate?

Auditory and visual reflexes.

medulla oblongota

contains much of reticular formation

medulla oblongata visceral centers

cardiac center, vasomotor center, medullary respiratory center, centers for hicupping, sneezing, swallowing, and coughing

Diencephalon

central core of forebrain, surrounded by cerebral hemispheres

Diencephalon structures

thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus

diencephalon borders

third ventricle

What percentage of the diencephalon is made up by the thalamus?

80%

What is the function of the major nuclei in the thalamus?

They act as relay stations.

To which regions do the axons from the thalamus send signals?

Regions of the cerebral cortex.

What does the hypothalamus control?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), emotional responses, behavior, and the endocrine system.

What sensations does the hypothalamus regulate?

Body temperature, hunger, thirst sensations, and sleep/wake cycles.

What role does the hypothalamus play in memory?

It forms memory.

cerebral cortex

responsible for higher cognitive abilities

brocas area

manages speech production

anterior association area

integrates info with past experience

initiates and plans motor movements

linked to the limbic system

cerebellum

coordinates body movement

participates in learning new motor skills and cognition

cerebral spinal fluid

surrounds brain and spinal cord

cushions, supports, and potects brain and spinal cord

sulci

grooves on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres

Gyri

twisted ridges between sulci

limbic system

consists of cingulate gyrus, amygdaloid body, and hippocampus

involved in emotional processing and motivation