Rat Dissection and Brain Anatomy

These flashcards cover the key concepts and structures related to rat dissection and brain anatomy based on the lecture notes.

What organs are included in the Rat Abdominal Cavity?

Duodenum, Pancreas, Jejunum, Caecum, Diaphragm, Liver, Stomach, Spleen, Ileum, Colon.

What is the role of the Diaphragm in the rat anatomy?

The Diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a key role in respiration.

List the parts of the brain identified in a sagittal view of the sheep brain.

Cerebellum, Superior colliculus, Arbor vitae, Inferior colliculus, Fourth ventricle, Medulla oblongata, Pons.

What are the two waves of development mentioned in brain structuring?

Metencephalon and Myelencephalon.

Which structure in the brain is responsible for regulating the pituitary gland?

Hypothalamus.

What major function does the Olfactory bulb serve?

The Olfactory bulb is crucial for the sense of smell.

What is the function of the Cerebellum as depicted in the sheep brain diagrams?

The Cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture and balance.

In terms of sensory processing, what do the Lateral geniculate body and Medial geniculate body process?

The Lateral geniculate body processes visual information, while the Medial geniculate body processes auditory information.

What role does the Pituitary gland play in the endocrine system?

It regulates vital hormones and controls various bodily functions.

How does the structure of the eye contribute to its function?

The various parts, such as the lens and cornea, help focus light onto the retina for vision.

What is the primary function of the Duodenum?

The Duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, responsible for most chemical digestion and absorption.

What is the function of the Pancreas in the abdominal cavity?

The Pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon.

What is the main role of the Jejunum?

The Jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine, primarily responsible for nutrient absorption.

What is the function of the Caecum in a rat?

The Caecum is a large sac connecting the small and large intestines, involved in microbial fermentation of plant matter.

Describe the main functions of the Liver.

The Liver detoxifies chemicals, metabolizes drugs, synthesizes proteins, and produces bile for digestion.

What is the primary function of the Stomach?

The Stomach stores food and begins protein digestion through enzymes and acid.

What is the role of the Spleen?

The Spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and plays a role in the immune system.

What is the function of the Ileum?

The Ileum is the final section of the small intestine, primarily responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.

What is the primary role of the Colon?

The Colon (large intestine) absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food matter and forms feces.

What is the function of the Superior colliculus?

The Superior colliculus processes visual information and helps with visual reflexes, such as directing eye movements.

What is the significance of the Arbor vitae in the cerebellum?

The Arbor vitae ("tree of life") is the white matter in the cerebellum, bringing sensory and motor information to and from the cerebellum.

What is the function of the Inferior colliculus?

The Inferior colliculus processes auditory information and is involved in auditory reflexes and sound localization.

What is the role of the Fourth ventricle in the brain?

The Fourth ventricle protects the brain from trauma and helps form the central canal of the spinal cord and choroid plexus which produces cerebrospinal fluid.

What vital functions does the Medulla oblongata control?

The Medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

What is the primary function of the Pons?

The Pons relays signals from the forebrain to the cerebellum and deals primarily with sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, equilibrium, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, facial sensation, and posture.

What is the function of the Cerebrum?

The Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for voluntary actions, thought, learning, memory, and sensation.

What is the role of the Spinal Cord?

The Spinal Cord transmits nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and mediates reflexes.

What is the function of the Optic chiasm?

The Optic chiasm is where optic nerves from each eye cross over, allowing visual information from both eyes to be processed in both hemispheres of the brain.

What is the primary role of the Thalamus?

The Thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information (except smell) to the cerebral cortex and motor information from the cerebellum and basal ganglia to the cerebral cortex.

What is the function of the Fornix?

The Fornix is a C-shaped bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that carries signals from the hippocampus to other parts of the limbic system, involved in memory.

What is the function of the Pineal body (gland)?

The Pineal body (or pineal gland) produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

What is the function of the Cornea?

The Cornea is the transparent outer layer at the front of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, responsible for focusing light.

What is the role of the Lens in the eye?

The Lens is a transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that, along with the cornea, helps to refract light to be focused on the retina.

What is the function of the Retina?

The Retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) and converts light into neural signals.

What is the function of the Iris?

The Iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil, regulating the amount of light reaching the retina.

What is the role of the Pupil?

The Pupil is the opening in the center of the iris that determines how much light is let into the eye.

What is the function of the Optic Nerve?

The Optic Nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

What are the main components of the Axial Skeleton?

The Axial Skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage (ribs and sternum).

What is the primary function of the Skull?

The Skull protects the brain and forms the structure of the face.

What are the key functions of the Vertebral Column?

The Vertebral Column protects the spinal cord, supports the head and torso, and provides flexibility for movement.

What is the function of the Thoracic Cage (Rib Cage)?

The Thoracic Cage protects the heart and lungs and aids in respiration.

List the major groups of bones in the Human Hand.

The Human Hand includes Carpals (wrist bones), Metacarpals (palm bones), and Phalanges (finger bones).

List the major groups of bones in the Human Foot.

The Human Foot includes Tarsals (ankle bones), Metatarsals (mid-foot bones), and Phalanges (toe bones).