Brain Structure and Function Vocabulary

Flashcards covering vocabulary terms related to brain structure and function, based on lecture notes.

Medulla Oblongata

The lower part of the brain stem that controls vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Pons

The upper part of the brain stem that connects the rest of the brain to the cerebellum and is involved in arousal, sleep, and motor control.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem, including the tectum (superior and inferior colliculi for visual and auditory processing) and tegmentum (periaqueductal gray, reticular formation, red nuclei, and substantia nigra for motor control and other functions).

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain, it controls motor movement coordination, balance, and automated movement sequences.

Thalamus

A central relay center of the brain involved in sensory pathways, motor pathways, cortico-cortical loops and attention.

Hypothalamus

Controls the autonomic nervous system, regulates hormones via the pituitary gland, and regulates basic behaviors such as hunger, thirst, and sexual behaviors.

Limbic System

Includes the hippocampus (learning and memory) and amygdala (emotional responses).

Basal Ganglia

Controls voluntary motor movement, procedural learning, habit learning, and eye movements.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum of the brain, responsible for higher-order brain functions.

Gyrus

A convolution (ridge) on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Sulcus

A groove or fissure on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Occipital Lobe

Controls the processing of visual information.

Parietal Lobe

Processes somatosensory information.

Temporal Lobe

Controls auditory processing, language comprehension (Wernicke's Area), and semantic memory.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in executive functions, motor control, language production (Broca's Area), and social cognition.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Involved in emotion processing and self-referential processes.

Corpus Callosum

White matter bundle that joins the cerebral hemispheres and allows communication between them.

Ventricles of the Brain

Interconnected brain cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serving as protection, support and nutrient provision.

Meninges

Protective layers surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), including the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.