Chapter 15

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, consisting of two cerebral hemispheres containing gyri and sulci.

Gyri

Folds or ridges on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Sulci

Grooves or indentations on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

Corpus callosum

The large bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance, featuring folds and containing Purkinje cells.

Gray Matter

The outer part of the cerebrum and cerebellum; composed of neurosomas, dendrites, unmyelinated axons, and synapses.

White Matter

Tissue deep in the brain made of tracts composed of myelinated axons.

Meninges

Three protective coverings of the brain: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Dura mater

The tough, outermost layer of the meninges.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear, colorless liquid produced in the brain's ventricles that provides buoyancy, protection, and chemical stability.

Thalamus

A part of the diencephalon that acts as a sensory gateway to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain responsible for the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system regulation.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain associated with emotion and learning; includes the amygdala and hippocampus.

Basal Nuclei

Deep masses of cerebral gray matter involved in motor control.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that originate from the brain and are involved in sensory and motor functions.

Alzheimer disease (AD)

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, reduced attention span, and degeneration of the cerebral cortex.

Parkinson disease (PD)

A neurodegenerative disorder marked by tremors, shuffling gait, and loss of motor function due to dopamine cell degeneration.

Olfactory Nerve (I)

The sensory nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (II)

The sensory nerve responsible for vision.

Oculomotor Nerve (III)

A motor nerve responsible for controlling eye movements.

Trigeminal Nerve (V)

A mixed nerve responsible for sensation in the face and control of chewing.

Facial Nerve (VII)

A mixed nerve responsible for taste sensation and control of facial expressions.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII)

A sensory nerve responsible for hearing and equilibrium.

Vagus Nerve (X)

A mixed nerve responsible for taste and control over various visceral organs.