chapter 11

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain responsible for higher mental functions.

Diencephalon

Region of the brain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Brainstem

The part of the brain consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Cerebellum

The region of the brain that coordinates movement and balance.

Gray Matter

The outer layer of the cerebrum and cerebellum containing neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses.

Cortex

The gray matter outer layer of the cerebrum (cerebral cortex) and cerebellum (cerebellar cortex).

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that fills the brain ventricles.

Ependymal cells

Neuroglia that line brain ventricles and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Lateral ventricles

The two ventricles located in each cerebral hemisphere.

Third ventricle

The ventricle located in the diencephalon.

Fourth ventricle

The ventricle located between the pons and cerebellum.

Median and lateral apertures

Openings in the fourth ventricle that connect ventricles to the subarachnoid space.

Frontal lobe

One of the five lobes of the cerebrum, involved in higher cognitive functions.

Parietal lobe

One of the five lobes of the cerebrum that processes sensory information.

Temporal lobe

One of the five lobes of the cerebrum associated with hearing and memory.

Occipital lobe

One of the five lobes of the cerebrum that is primarily responsible for vision.

Insula

A lobe of the cerebrum located deep to the temporal lobe.

Gyri

Ridges on the surface of the brain.

Sulci

Shallow grooves on the surface of the brain.

Fissures

Deep grooves in the brain, such as the longitudinal fissure.

Cerebral cortex

The outer surface of the cerebrum composed of gray matter.

White matter

The internal area of the brain beneath the cerebral cortex.

Basal nuclei

Clusters of gray matter deep within the white matter of the brain.

Motor areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex that control voluntary movement.

Sensory areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex that receive and interpret sensory information.

Association areas

Areas of the cerebral cortex involved in integrating information, learning, memory, and emotion.

Left hemisphere

The half of the brain associated with language, math, and logic.

Right hemisphere

The half of the brain associated with visual-spatial skills, emotion, and artistic abilities.

Corpus callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Multimodal Association Areas

Regions of the brain that integrate multiple types of sensory input for complex understanding and actions.