Chapter 17: Gross Anatomy of the Brain and Cranial Nerves

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on the brain's gross anatomy and cranial nerves.

Precentral Gyrus

Located in the frontal lobe; responsible for voluntary movement.

Central Sulcus

Separates the frontal and parietal lobes.

Postcentral Gyrus

Located in the parietal lobe; responsible for somatic sensation.

Temporal Lobe

Located below the lateral sulcus.

Occipital Lobe

Located in the posterior region of the brain.

Longitudinal Fissure

Connects the cerebral hemispheres.

Broca's Area

Area responsible for motor speech.

Wernicke's Area

Area involved in understanding language.

Basal Nuclei

Includes the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus.

Vermis

Connects the two cerebellar hemispheres.

Cerebellum

Contains the cerebellar cortex and arbor vitae.

Dura Mater

Outermost layer covering the brain.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer of the meninges.

Pia Mater

Innermost layer of the meninges, directly on the brain.

Olfactory Nerve (I)

Carries afferent impulses for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (II)

Carries afferent impulses associated with vision.

Oculomotor Nerve (III)

Directs the eyeball and controls lens shape and pupil size.

Trochlear Nerve (IV)

Moves the eyeball via the superior oblique muscle.

Trigeminal Nerve (V)

Major sensory nerve of the face; also innervates muscles of mastication.

Abducens Nerve (VI)

Abducts the eyeball via the lateral rectus muscle.

Facial Nerve (VII)

Supplies muscles of facial expression and carries taste sensations.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII)

Transmits impulses for equilibrium and hearing.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX)

Serves pharyngeal muscles and carries sensory impulses from the pharynx and tongue.

Vagus Nerve (X)

Supplies heart and smooth muscles of abdominal organs; transmits sensory impulses from viscera.

Accessory Nerve (XI)

Provides motor fibers to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)

Carries motor fibers to muscles of the tongue.