CNS P2

Where is the diencephalon located?

Between brainstem and cerebrum; surrounds 3rd ventricle

What are the three parts of the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus

What percentage of the diencephalon is the thalamus?

80%

Main function of the thalamus?

Relay station to cerebral cortex

What does the thalamus process?

Sensory, motor, emotional, visual, auditory info

Main role of hypothalamus?

Homeostasis control center

What system does the hypothalamus control?

Autonomic nervous system

What emotions are involved in hypothalamus

Pleasure, fear, rage

What does the hypothalamus regulate physically?

Temp, hunger, thirst, sleep

Endocrine role in hypothalamus?

Controls pituitary hormones

Damage effects in hypothalamus?

Obesity, dehydration, sleep issues, emotional imbalance

Key structure in epithalamus?

Pineal gland

What hormone is released in epithalamus

Melatonin

Function of epithalamus?

Regulates sleep-wake cycle

Three parts of brainstem?

Midbrain, pons, medulla

Mian role of brainstem?

Controls vital automatic functions

Key neurotransmitter in midbrain

dopamine

Function of midbrain?

Movement, visual reflexes, fight-or-flight

Function of pons?

Bridge between brain regions + breathing control

Cranial nerves in pons?

V, VI, VII

Medulla oblongata Main role?

Autonomic reflex center

What does medulla oblonga regulate?

Heart rate, breathing, BP

Other reflexes in medulla oblonga?

Vomiting, coughing, swallowing

Cerebellum main fuinction?

Coordination and balance

What does cerebellum fine-tune?

Movement precision

What happens with cerebellum damage?

Poor coordination, balance issues

Limbic system main fucntion?

Emotion and memory

Limbic system unique role?

Links smell and memory

Reticular formation function?

Keeps brain alert/conscious

What does reticular formation filter

~99% of sensory stimuli

What does reticular formation damage result?

Coma

Broca’s area function?

speech production

Wernicke’s area function?

Lnagugae comprehension?

Declarative memory?

Facts and knowledge

Procedural memory

skills

Short term memory capacity?

7-8 items

Long-term memory capacity

unlimited

What improves memory transfer?

Repetition, emotion, association

Two main sleep types?

NREM and REM

When do dreams occur

REM sleep

What regulates sleep?

Hypothalamus

4 protections of brain?

Skull, meninges, CSF, BBB

Meninges 3 layers?

Dura, arachnoid, pia

Function of CSF?

Cushion, buoyancy, nutrient transport

Blood-brain barrier purpose?

Protects brain from toxins

What passes blood-brain barrier?

Lipid-soluble substances, gases

Main arteries?

Internal carotid + vertebral

Circle of Willis function?

Backup blood cycle

Concussion?

Temporary brain dysfunction

Stroke (CVA)?

Loss of blood → brain tissue death

Stroke symptoms?

Paralysis, speech deficits