Diencephalon, Brainstem, and Cerebellum

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts discussed in the lecture about the diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.

Diencephalon

A region of the brain consisting of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus, involved in autonomic functions and cranial nerves.

Thalamus

Relay nuclei for memory, motor, and sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates endocrine functions, autonomic system functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and thermoregulation.

Epithalamus

Contains the pineal gland, which regulates sleep and circadian rhythms through the hormone melatonin.

Brainstem

The part of the brain located between the diencephalon and spinal cord, consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla.

Cerebellum

Responsible for motor output, sensory input, reflexes, and interfacing with the peripheral nervous system.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that arise directly from the brainstem responsible for sensory, motor, or both functions.

Reticular Formation

A structure in the brainstem that regulates consciousness, sleep, and arousal.

Midbrain

A part of the brainstem that processes visual and auditory information and coordinates reflexes.

Pons

A part of the brainstem that serves as a relay center and participates in regulating respiration.

Medulla Oblongata

A part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Ataxia

A condition resulting from cerebellar dysfunction characterized by lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements.

Intention Tremor

An involuntary tremor that occurs during targeted movements usually associated with lateral cerebellum dysfunction.

Cerebellar Peduncles

White matter tracts that facilitate communication between the cerebellum and other parts of the CNS.

Proprioception

The body's ability to perceive its own position in space, sending signals to the cerebellum for balance and coordination.