Sheep Brain Physiology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structures and functions of the sheep brain.

Cerebrum

Outer layer of brain & largest part of the brain; site of integration; divided into 4 lobes; divided into a left and right hemisphere

Longitudinal fissure

Separates the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum

Cerebellum

Means "little brain" in Latin; helps with muscle memory and muscle coordination

Transverse fissure

Separates the cerebrum and the cerebellum

Spinal cord

Long bundle of nerves and cells that carries messages between the body and the brain

Dura mater

Tough membrane around the brain and spinal cord (one of the three meninges - membranes around the brain); protects and supports the brain

Pituitary gland

Found below the hypothalamus; "master endocrine gland" - controls other hormone releasing glands

Infundibulum

Stalk of blood vessels and nerves that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus

Optic nerve

One for each eye; transmit an impulse from an eye to the brain

Optic chiasm

Where the optic nerves cross over to direct impulses to the opposite side of the occipital lobe

Olfactory bulb

Processes olfactory (smell) information; larger in sheep due to their reliance upon smell

Sulci

Valleys in the cerebrum

Gyri

Peaks in the cerebrum

Frontal lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for executive function (planning, organizing), personality, decision making, and emotional control

Parietal lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for receiving and interpreting sensory input as well as spatial awareness

Occipital lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum that receives and interprets visual information

Temporal lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum which receives and interprets auditory and olfactory information; responsible for the development of memories

Brain stem

Where the brain attaches to the spinal cord

Medulla oblongata

Regulates heart rate, respiration rates, and blood vessel dilation and constriction

Pons

"Bridge" between the cerebellum and cerebrum; allows the cerebellum to better coordinate movements

Midbrain

In charge of auditory and visual reflexes (such as automatically turning when someone is loud)

Corpus callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum allowing them to communicate

Lateral ventricle

A space in the brain that stores cerebrospinal fluid

Diencephalon

Also known as the "interbrain;" deep within the brain; made of many parts

Pineal gland

Releases melatonin when it is dark

Thalamus

Sorts data as it comes to the cerebrum and sends that data to the proper part of the cerebrum

Hypothalamus

Below the thalamus; maintains homeostasis and controls the pituitary gland

Gray matter

Makes up the outside of the cerebrum; made of neuron cell bodies

White matter

Makes up the inside of the cerebrum; made of myelinated axons

Arbor vitae

"Tree of life;" gray and white matter found in the cerebellum that looks like a tree; delivers sensory and motor information in and out of the cerebellum