Brain Structure and Function: Medulla, Pons, and Cerebellum LECTURE part 2

A comprehensive set of flashcards focused on vocabulary related to the brain, its structure, functions, and relevant physiological concepts, drawn from the lecture on the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

Nuclei

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the CNS that serve specific functions.

Medulla Oblongata

The lower part of the brainstem that regulates vital functions like heart rate and respiration.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, primarily serving head and neck regions.

White Matter

Areas of the CNS dominated by myelinated axons, important for communication between brain regions.

Gray Matter

Regions of the CNS that contain neuron cell bodies and are involved in processing information.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that propagates signals along neurons.

Sensory Cortex

Brain region that processes sensory information from the body.

Motor Cortex

Brain region responsible for planning and executing voluntary motor functions.

Thalamus

Major relay station in the brain for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Autonomic Nuclei

Clusters of neurons responsible for regulating involuntary functions.

Olfactory Nerve

Cranial nerve I responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve

Cranial nerve II responsible for vision.

Oculomotor Nerve

Cranial nerve III responsible for eye movement.

Trochlear Nerve

Cranial nerve IV responsible for rotating the eye.

Trigeminal Nerve

Cranial nerve V responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Abducens Nerve

Cranial nerve VI that controls lateral eye movement.

Facial Nerve

Cranial nerve VII that controls facial expressions and conveys taste sensations.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Cranial nerve VIII responsible for hearing and balance.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Cranial nerve IX involved in taste and swallowing.

Vagus Nerve

Cranial nerve X that controls parasympathetic functions in the body.

Accessory Nerve

Cranial nerve XI that controls shoulder and neck muscles.

Hypoglossal Nerve

Cranial nerve XII that controls tongue movements.

Relay Station

A point in the CNS where signals are transmitted between neurons.

Latent Period

The delay between stimulus input and the response output in a neuronal pathway.

Medulla's Functions

Includes control of heart rate, respiratory rhythm, and reflex actions such as coughing and swallowing.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors in the body that detect harmful stimuli.

Somatic Sensory

Sensory information that we consciously perceive, such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Visceral Sensory

Sensory information from internal organs that we do not consciously perceive.

Cerebellum

Brain region that coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture.

Purkinje Cells

Large neurons in the cerebellum that receive inputs from many other neurons and influence motor output.

Ataxia

Loss of full control of bodily movements, often due to cerebellar damage.

Cerebellar Peduncles

Bundles of axons connecting the cerebellum to other parts of the brain.

Pneumotaxic Center

Nuclei in the pons that regulate the rhythm and depth of breathing.

RAS (Reticular Activating System)

Part of the brain involved in maintaining consciousness and alertness.

Medulla Centers

Centers in the medulla responsible for autonomic functions.

Visceral Activities

Involuntary processes that manage internal body functions.

Pons' Role

Helps regulate vital functions and acts as a relay between different parts of the brain.

Tectum

The dorsal part of the midbrain containing visual and auditory reflex centers.

Superior Colliculus

Region in the midbrain involved in visual reflexes.

Inferior Colliculus

Region in the midbrain involved in auditory reflexes.

Corpora Quadrigemina

The four colliculi located in the midbrain, responsible for visual and auditory reflexes.

Diencephalon

A major relay center in the brain made up of the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for higher brain functions.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Nuclei in Thalamus

Various specialized clusters that relay sensory and motor information.

Anatomy of Thalamus

Structure that regulates sensory information before it reaches the cortex.

Auditory Cortex

Region of the cerebral cortex that processes sound information.

Visual Cortex

Region of the cerebral cortex that processes visual information.

Integration Areas

Parts of the brain that combine sensory information from multiple sources.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and removes waste.

Optic Chiasm

The point where the optic nerves cross, allowing for visual field processing.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Reflex Action

An automatic response to a stimulus that does not require conscious thought.

Gag Reflex

A protective reflex triggered by the stimulation of the back of the throat.

Respiratory Rhythmicity Center

The part of the medulla that controls the basic rhythm of breathing.

Vasomotor Center

The center in the medulla that regulates blood vessel diameter and blood pressure.

General Reflex Centers

Centers involved in reflex actions like sneezing and vomiting.

Hiccuping

An involuntary action involving contractions of the diaphragm.

Substantia Nigra

A dark-pigmented brain region involved in movement control.

Cerebellar Functions

Includes coordination, balance, posture, and fine-tuning motor activity.

Motor Memory Patterns

Learned sequences of muscle movement that become automatic.

Cerebellum's Role in Learning

Adjusts and refines motor outputs based on experience.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Adjustments

Cerebellum makes fine-tuned adjustments to motor functions.

Facilitatory and Inhibitory Signals

Cerebellum's dual role in enhancing or suppressing motor outputs.

Convolutions in Cerebellum

Folded structure of the cerebellum that increases surface area.

Encephalization Quotient

A measure of brain size relative to body size, suggesting cognitive ability.

Neural Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself based on experience.

Cerebellar Dysfunction

Issues with coordination and movement due to cerebellar impairment.

Environmental Conditions Influencing Brain Activity

External factors that can affect brain function and behavior.

Subconscious Processes

Automatic brain functions that don't require conscious thought.

Axon Terminals

End points of neurons that release neurotransmitters.

Neuroplasticity and Learning

The ability of the brain to change through learning and experience.

Drug Effects on Neural Activity

How substances can alter neurotransmitter release and brain function.

Rehabilitation Post-Brain Injury

Therapy focused on restoring lost functions following brain trauma.