Human Brain Structures and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key brain structures, their functions, and related terms mentioned in the lecture notes.

Brain

The central coordination and control centre in humans, composed of more than 100 billion neurones and major parts such as the cerebrum, hypothalamus, cerebellum, medulla oblongata and pituitary gland.

Neurone

A specialised nerve cell that transmits electrical impulses; over 100 billion of them make up the human brain.

Cerebrum

The brain’s largest, most complex region (frontal area) with a folded surface; controls emotions, hearing, sight, personality, voluntary actions, and higher mental abilities like learning, memory, language and mathematics.

Hypothalamus

Homeostasis control centre regulating body temperature, water balance, blood pressure, hunger, thirst and fatigue; links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland and influences some of its hormone secretions.

Cerebellum

Brain region responsible for maintaining body balance and coordinating muscle contractions for smooth, controlled movement.

Medulla Oblongata

Structure located anterior to the cerebellum that controls involuntary actions such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion, vasoconstriction or vasodilation, blood pressure, peristalsis, vomiting, coughing, sneezing and swallowing.

Pituitary Gland

Endocrine system’s master gland situated at the base of the hypothalamus; secretes hormones that regulate secretion by other endocrine glands.

Homeostasis

The physiological process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, water balance, blood pressure) despite external changes, chiefly coordinated by the hypothalamus.