Brain & Cranial Nerve Information

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to brain anatomy and cranial nerves, based on lecture notes.

Cerebrum

The most superior and largest region of the brain, characterized by its highly folded surface.

Gyri

Elevated ridges on the surface of the brain.

Sulci

Shallow grooves on the surface of the brain.

Diencephalon

A brain region enclosed by the cerebral hemispheres, containing structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Thalamus

A part of the diencephalon that serves as a relay station for sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A structure below the thalamus that regulates various body functions, such as temperature and food intake.

Cerebellum

The second largest brain region, responsible for coordinating muscle movements and maintaining balance.

Arbor vitae

The tree-like pattern of white matter found within the cerebellum.

Cranial Nerves

A set of 12 pairs of nerves that primarily serve the head and neck, with most arising from the brain stem.

Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)

The nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (Cranial Nerve II)

The nerve that carries visual impulses from the retina to the brain.

Pons

The bulging part of the brain stem located between the midbrain and medulla oblongata, involved in relaying impulses.

Medulla Oblongata

The most inferior part of the brain stem that controls autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing.

Ventricles

Cavities within the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced in the brain's ventricles that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

Three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Dura mater

The outermost, tough layer of the meninges.

Pia mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the surface of the brain.