Brain and Behavior: Neuroanatomy

This set of flashcards covers key concepts about neuroanatomy from the lecture on Brain and Behavior, including the major divisions of the brain, their structures, and functions.

What are the three major divisions of the brain?

Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Forebrain.

What is the main function of the medulla?

Responsible for vital reflexes such as breathing.

Which part of the brain is primarily involved in movement and is depleted in Parkinson's Disease?

Substantia nigra.

What does the thalamus act as in the brain?

A relay station.

What are the five lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital, and Insula.

What is the principle of contralateral control?

It means that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

What type of matter is primarily made of cell bodies and dendrites?

Grey Matter.

What type of matter is primarily made of myelinated axons?

White Matter.

What is the function of the cingulate gyrus?

Involved in emotion and memory.

What does the primary motor cortex control?

Planning and execution of movements.

What are the meninges?

Membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

What is the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid?

Cushions the brain, provides nutrients, and removes waste.

What structures are included in the hindbrain?

Medulla, Pons, and Cerebellum.

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Hormonal regulation and drive systems.

What are sulci and gyri in the brain?

Grooves (sulci) and ridges (gyri) on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

What is the significance of the central sulcus?

It separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

What does the motor homunculus represent?

The distribution of motor control in the body, mapped in the primary motor cortex.

What does the sensory homunculus represent?

The distribution of sensory perception in the body, mapped in the primary somatosensory cortex.

What are cranial nerves?

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain.

Which nerve is primarily responsible for vision?

Optic nerve (Cranial nerve II).

What role does the corpus callosum serve in the brain?

Joins the two halves of the cerebral cortex.

What is the function of the basal ganglia?

Involved in movement regulation and motor control.