Chapter 12 pt. 3

Flashcards covering key brain structures, their functions, and related medical conditions.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain that regulate slow, sustained movements and help inhibit unwanted movements.

Corpus Striatum

Part of the basal ganglia that includes the caudate nucleus and lentiform nucleus.

Thalamus

A relay station in the brain that processes sensory information, except for smell, before it reaches the cortex.

Hypothalamus

Controls autonomic functions such as temperature regulation, hunger, thirst, and sleep-wake cycles; connected to the pituitary gland.

Epithalamus

Contains structures such as the pineal gland, which secretes melatonin, and the choroid plexus, which produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning; contains Purkinje cells and has a 'tree of life' structure called arbor vitae.

Limbic System

Involves brain structures associated with emotions and memory, including the hypothalamus and olfactory bulbs.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons in the brain stem involved in sensory processing, motor functions, and maintaining consciousness.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A liquid that cushions the brain, provides chemical stability, and is formed in the choroid plexuses.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective barrier that prevents certain substances in the blood from entering the brain, protecting it from toxins.

Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)

Also known as a stroke, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which can lead to tissue death.

Concussion

A mild traumatic brain injury that results from a blow to the head, potentially leading to various symptoms.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive degenerative brain disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, primarily affecting older adults.

Parkinson's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia due to dopaminergic neuron loss in the basal ganglia.

Cerebral Palsy

A neurological disorder caused by oxygen deprivation during birth or early infancy, affecting motor function without impacting cognitive ability.