Brain & Cranial Nerves

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the brain, cranial nerves, meninges, and functions of the nervous system.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What is the outermost layer of the meninges?

Dura mater.

What separates the cerebral hemispheres in the brain?

Falx cerebri.

What is the function of the dural venous sinuses?

They return cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the bloodstream.

What lies beneath the arachnoid mater?

Subarachnoid space which contains cerebrospinal fluid.

What are the two structures where cerebrospinal fluid is formed?

Choroid plexuses in the brain's ventricles.

What is the blood-brain barrier primarily composed of?

Tight junctions between endothelial cells of brain capillaries.

What structure regulates body temperature and appetite?

Hypothalamus.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?

Optic nerve (CN II).

What cranial nerve controls the majority of eye movements?

Oculomotor nerve (CN III).

What is the primary function of the facial nerve?

Motor for facial expressions and sensory for taste from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

What does the vagus nerve (CN X) primarily control?

Heart rate and various visceral organs.

Which cranial nerve is known as the 'great sensory nerve of the face'?

Trigeminal nerve (CN V).

What type of paralysis occurs due to lower motor neuron lesions?

Flaccid paralysis.

What is the function of the amygdala in the limbic system?

It is involved in emotional processing.

Which area of the brain is associated with language comprehension?

Wernicke's area.

What is the term for the areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for specific sensory and motor functions?

Cerebral localization.

How is information processed in the cerebrum according to the functions described?

Through integration of sensory input then motor output.

What is the role of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

It maintains wakefulness and consciousness.