Brain Structure and Function Overview

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to brain structure and function, based on lecture notes.

Brain

An organ composed of neurons responsible for processing sensory information and coordinating responses.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing information and controlling the body's responses.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body; includes somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, involved in high-level functions such as thought, planning, and sensory processing.

Gyri and Sulci

Gyri are the ridges, and sulci are the folds in the cerebral cortex; their structure increases the surface area of the brain.

Thalamus

A brain structure that acts as a processing center for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis, controlling functions like temperature and hunger.

Corpus Callosum

A band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Hindbrain

Part of the brain that includes structures such as the medulla oblongata and cerebellum, controlling basic life functions.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for executive functions like planning, decision making, and voluntary movement.

Parietal Lobe

Integrates sensory information, especially related to spatial orientation and touch.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is involved in language and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Lateralisation

The tendency for some cognitive functions to be more dominant in one hemisphere of the brain than the other.

Meninges

Membranes covering the brain, consisting of dura mater and pia mater.

Blood Brain Barrier

A semipermeable membrane that protects the brain from pathogens while allowing essential nutrients to pass in.

Cerebellum

Coordinates fine motor control and voluntary movements.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Homunculus

A representation of how much cortical area is dedicated to different sensory or motor functions.