Overview of Brain Structure and Function

Cerebral hemispheres

the cerebrum

Gyri and sulci

Gyri are an outward fold of the surface and sulci are a furrow on the brain

Longitudinal fissure

the structure that separates the large regions of the brain

Lobes of the cerebral hemispheres

named after the cranial bones that lie over them

Functions of the cerebral cortex

speech, memory, logical emotional responses, consciousness, and the interpretation of sensation

Primary somatic sensory area location

in the parietal lobe

Functions of the primary somatic sensory area

recognizes pain, differences in temp, or a light touch

Impulses received by the left side of the primary somatic sensory area

from the right side of the body

Visual area location

the posterior part of the occipital lobe

Auditory area location

the temporal lobe

Olfactory area location

deep inside the temporal lobe

Function of the primary motor area

allows us to consciously move skeletal muscles and is anterior to the central sulcus in the frontal lobe

Broca's area

involved in our ability to speak and is on the left side of the brain

Anterior association area

involved in high intellectual reasoning and socially acceptable behavior

Complex memories storage

in frontal and temporal lobes

Function of the corpus callosum

allows the cerebral hemispheres to communicate with each other

Job of the basal nuclei

helps regulate voluntary motor activities by modifying instructions sent to skeletal muscles

Major structures of the diencephalon

thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus

Function of the thalamus

a relay station for sensory impulses passing to the sensory cortex

Functions of hypothalamus

regulates body temp, water balance, metabolism, center for emotions, is part of the limbic system

Brain stem size and structures

approx. 3 inches and the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata

Reflex centers in the midbrain

visual and auditory reflex centers

Process controlled in the pons

breathing

Functions controlled by the medulla oblongata

controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, swallowing, and vomiting

Function of the cerebellum

provides timing for skeletal muscle activity and controls balance

cerebellum

Provides the timing for skeletal muscle activity and controls balance.

Ataxia

Caused by damage to cerebrum and causes clumsy movement + loss of coordination.

Blood-brain barrier

Keeps neurons separated from blood-borne substances.

Capillaries of the blood-brain barrier

Seamlessly bound together by tight junctions all around.

Substances passing through blood-brain barrier

Water, glucose, and essential amino acids.

Alcohol, nicotine, and anesthetics and the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier is useless against fats, respiratory gases, and other fat-soluble molecules that diffuse easily through all plasma membranes.

Peripheral nervous system

System of nerves that connects the outlying parts of body with central nervous system.

Nerve

A bundle of neuron fibers found outside the CNS.

Cranial nerves

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

Spinal nerves

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves.

Autonomic nervous system

The motor subdivision of the PNS that controls body activities automatically.

ANS role in homeostasis

Signals flood from organs into CNS and in the ANS makes adjustments as necessary to support body activities.

Sympathetic nervous system

Mobilizes the body during extreme situations such as fear or rage.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Allows to unwind and conserve energy and is activated when you digest a meal, relax after a stressful situation, or anything causing your heart rate to slow.

Prefrontal cortex in teenage brain

Responsible for functions like decision making, impulse control, and considering consequences which are still developing during teenage years.

Blossoming/pruning

Refers to developmental process where the brain creates a lot of neural connections (blooming) during adolescence and then eliminates unused or weak connections (pruning) to result in a more efficient brain as teen matures.

Neurons that fire together wire together

When 2 or more neurons in the brain are activated at the same time, the connection between them strengthens to create a stronger neural pathway for easier connection between those neurons.

Teenage brain and substance susceptibility

The brain is still developing during these years which makes it more vulnerable to the effects of these substances.

Limbic system

A group of interconnected brain structures that helps regulate emotions and behavior.