PPT 3 Brain and Brain

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, composed of two cerebral hemispheres and responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Sulci

Depressions or grooves on the surface of the cerebrum.

Gyri

Ridges or raised areas on the surface of the cerebrum that increase its surface area.

Grey matter

The outer surface of the cerebrum, composed of approximately 2 to 4 mm thick layer of neural tissue.

Cerebral cortex

Another term for grey matter, referring to the outer layer of the cerebrum.

Corpus callosum

A structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates communication between them.

Contralateral

Referring to the opposite side of the body, each hemisphere of the cerebrum receives information from and controls the opposite side of the body.

Lobes

The four major divisions of each cerebral hemisphere - frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital.

Gastrulation

A process in embryonic development where cells migrate to form the three germ layers - ectoderm, endoderm, mesoderm.

Neurulation

The process in embryonic development where the neural plate forms and eventually gives rise to the nervous system.

Notochord

A rod-like structure that runs along the length of the developing embryo and plays a crucial role in the formation of the nervous system.

Neural plate

A thickened area of ectodermal cells induced by the notochord, which eventually develops into the neural tube.

Neural tube

Formed through the fusion of the neural folds, it gives rise to the central nervous system.

Ventricles

Open spaces within the brain that develop from the cavities of the neural tube and contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, responsible for receiving and coordinating information.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Sensation

The process of receiving information about the environment.

Integration

The process of coordinating sensory information and generating appropriate responses.

Afferent branch

The division of the PNS that carries sensory signals from receptors to the CNS.

Efferent branch

The division of the PNS that carries motor signals from the CNS to effector organs.

Somatic motor neuron

A neuron that carries information from the CNS to skeletal muscles, governing voluntary responses.

Autonomic motor neuron

A neuron that carries information from the CNS to smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, or glands, governing involuntary responses.

Sympathetic division

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic division

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the "rest and digest" response.

Neurons

Cells responsible for sending and receiving nerve impulses or signals.

Glial cells

Non-neuronal cells that provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, and facilitate signal transmission in the nervous system.

Meninges

The three layers of membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord - dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Gray matter

The area of the central nervous system composed of neuron cell bodies, responsible for processing information.

White matter

Bundles of axons sheathed in myelin, responsible for communication between different regions of gray matter and the rest of the body.

Cerebral hemispheres

The two halves of the cerebrum that are responsible for higher cognitive functions and motor control.

Diencephalon

The region of the brain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus, responsible for sensory processing and homeostatic regulation.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that controls fine muscle movement and balance.

Brain stem

The region of the brain that connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, involved in regulating vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Forebrain

The largest major part of the brain, including the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and limbic system.

Midbrain

The part of the brain located between the forebrain and hindbrain, involved in regulating sleep/wake cycle, arousal, and motor activity.

Hindbrain

The part of the brain above the spinal cord, consisting of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum, responsible for automatic processes and fine-tuning movements.

Sulci

Depressions or grooves on the surface of the cerebrum.

Gyri

Ridges or raised areas on the surface of the cerebrum that increase its surface area.

Cerebral cortex

The outer surface of the cerebrum composed of grey matter, approximately 2 to 4 mm thick.

Corpus callosum

The bundle of nerves that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates communication between them.

Longitudinal fissure

The deep groove that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Lobes

The four main divisions of each cerebral hemisphere - frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital.

Cranial bones

The bones of the skull that overlie each lobe of the cerebrum.

Axial skeleton

The group of bones along the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular skeleton

The group of bones that make up the limbs and attach them to the trunk of the body.

Frontal lobe

The largest lobe of the cerebrum, responsible for higher cognitive functions, motor control, and language production.

Parietal lobe

The lobe of the cerebrum involved in processing sensory information, visuospatial processing, and skills like math and hand-eye coordination.

Temporal lobe

The lobe of the cerebrum responsible for processing auditory stimuli, language comprehension, memory, and perception.

Occipital lobe

The lobe of the cerebrum responsible for interpreting visual information.

Thalamus

The brain's switchboard or air traffic control system, receiving sensory information and directing it to the appropriate part of the brain.

Hypothalamus

The region of the brain involved in regulating homeostatic processes like body temperature, appetite, and blood pressure.

Pituitary gland

The "master gland" that controls the secretion of hormones and regulates the function of other glands in the body.

Limbic system

An interconnected group of structures responsible for emotions and memory, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

Amygdala

A small almond-shaped structure in the limbic system responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear.

Hippocampus

A seahorse-shaped structure in the limbic system involved in forming, organizing, and storing memories.

Reticular formation

A network of neurons in the midbrain, forebrain, and hindbrain involved in regulating sleep/wake cycle, arousal, and motor activity.

Substantia nigra

A region in the midbrain that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine and is involved in movement, mood, reward, and addiction.

Ventral tegmental area (VTA)

A region in the midbrain that produces dopamine and is involved in movement, mood, reward, and addiction.

Medulla

The part of the hindbrain that controls automatic processes of the autonomic nervous system and reflex actions.

Pons

A structure in the hindbrain that serves as a bridge between the brain and spinal cord and regulates brain activity during sleep.

Circle of Willis

The anastomosis of arteries at the base of the brain that provides collateral blood flow between the anterior and posterior circulations, protecting against ischemia.