Brain Dissection & Models: Structures and Functions

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering anatomical brain structures, divisions, and their physiological functions as identified in brain dissection and anatomical models.

Cerebrum

Responsible for memory, sensory and voluntary motor processing, thinking, and language.

Transverse fissure

Fissure that divides the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordination, balance, and posture.

Olfactory bulb

Receives olfactory input from olfactory nerves.

Optic nerve

Carries visual input from the retina.

Pituitary gland

Secretes hormones controlling metabolism, reproduction, growth and development, and water balance.

Mammillary body

A component of the hypothalamus.

Cerebral peduncle

White matter tracts that link the cerebrum to the rest of the brain.

Inferior colliculus

Responsible for auditory reflexes.

Superior colliculus

Responsible for visual reflexes.

Pons

Brain structure responsible for respiratory control.

Medulla oblongata

Brain structure responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular control.

Ventricles (lateral, 2nd, 3rd, 4th)

Cavities in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Choroid plexus

Structure that secretes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Corpus callosum

Responsible for communication between the cerebral hemispheres.

Massa intermedia

Structure responsible for communication between the left and right sides.

Anterior commissure (models only)

Responsible for communication between the left and right sides.

Posterior commissure (models only)

Responsible for communication between the left and right sides.

Pineal gland

Secretes melatonin to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Thalamus

Serves as a sensory relay to the cerebrum (except for olfaction).

Hypothalamus

Controls homeostasis and controls pituitary hormone secretion.

Arbor vitae

The white matter of the cerebellum.

Gray matter

Brain tissue responsible for integration and processing.

White matter

Brain tissue responsible for the transmission of sensory and motor information.