Brain Development and Functions

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to brain development, structure, and function.

brain vesicles

Embryonic structures from which the major parts of the adult brain are derived.

neuroglia cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

cerebrum

The part of the brain responsible for higher functions; contains the cortex.

diencephalon

Consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, and pituitary gland.

cerebellum

Coordinates body movements, helps maintain balance and postural control.

brain stem

Consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; involved in autonomic functions.

cortex

The convoluted outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for many higher-order brain functions.

sulci

Grooves in the brain's surface; deeper sulci form anatomical landmarks.

lobes

Regions of the cerebrum named according to the bones that protect them.

gray matter

Composed of neural cell bodies, found in the cortex of the cerebrum.

white matter

Made of myelinated axons; located deeper in the cerebrum.

basal nuclei

Clusters of gray matter located in deeper regions of the brain.

lateral ventricles

Large hollow chambers formed during embryonic development in each hemisphere.

interventricular foramen

Connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle.

cerebral aqueduct

Connects the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle.

subarachnoid space

Space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

meninges

Connective tissue coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

dura mater

Outer layer of the meninges; consists of two fibrous layers.

arachnoid mater

Middle layer of the meninges, characterized by web-like extensions.

pia mater

Inner layer of the meninges that closely covers the surface of the brain.

dural sinuses

Sinuses located between layers of the dura mater that collect venous blood.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nourishment.

choroid plexus

Tissue that produces cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

hydrocephalus

Condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, often resulting from infections.

blood-brain barrier (BBB)

A selective barrier that prevents certain substances from entering the CNS.

astrocytes

Glial cells that support and protect neurons; involved in the formation of the BBB.

tight junctions

Structures that prevent leakage of substances between brain capillaries.

ventricles

Hollow chambers in the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid.

neonatal brain

The brain at birth, which resembles that of an adult in structure.

neuronal connections

Synapses formed between neurons, crucial for brain function.

neurodevelopment

The process of brain development, including growth and formation of structures.

cerebral artery

Blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

inferior tip of lateral ventricle

Part of the lateral ventricle, typically found at the bottom.

median aperture

Opening that allows cerebrospinal fluid to flow from the fourth ventricle.

brainstem functions

Includes control of autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

fontanels

The soft spots on an infant's skull where bones have not yet fused.

postcentral gyrus

Involved in processing somatosensory information.

precentral gyrus

Primary motor cortex responsible for voluntary movement.

cerebral cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum with functions related to perception and thought.

pulsatile CSF flow

Rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid conducting nutrients and waste.

cauda equina

Group of nerves in the lower back that resemble a horse's tail.

meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges, often due to infection.

astrocyte end-feet

Extensions of astrocytes that help form the blood-brain barrier.

venous blood

Blood that has circulated through the body and is returning to the heart.

pediatric considerations

Special considerations for brain development in infants and children.

cerebral vascular supply

Blood supply network that nourishes the brain's tissues.

neuronal death

Loss of neurons that can occur due to various neurological conditions.

subarachnoid granulations

Structures that absorb cerebrospinal fluid into the venous system.