Overview of the Brain Structures and Functions

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the structures and functions of the brain, including the cerebrum, diencephalon, and cerebellum.

Cerebrum

Responsible for conscious thought processes, intellectual functions, and memory storage and processing.

Diencephalon

Includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, involved in sensory relay and regulation of emotions and hormone production.

Thalamus

Relay and processing centers for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Centers controlling emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production.

Mesencephalon

Involved in processing visual and auditory data and generating reflexive somatic motor responses.

Pons

Relays sensory information to the cerebellum and thalamus, and controls subconscious somatic and visceral motor centers.

Medulla Oblongata

Relays sensory information to thalamus and other portions of the brain stem; regulates autonomic functions.

Cerebellum

Coordinates complex somatic motor patterns and adjusts output of other somatic motor centers.

Gyri

Elevated ridges or folds in the brain's surface.

Sulci

Shallow grooves in the brain that separate gyri.

Fissures

Deep grooves that divide the brain into lobes.