1. CNS organization and the regulated neural environment

Gray matter contains many _.

neuronal cell bodies

White matter contains many _.

myelinated axons

The brain also maintains a tightly regulated _ so _.

extracellular environment, neurons can preserve normal ion gradients and electrophysiology

Cerebrum (location and major functions)

“big brain”, left and right hemispheres; governs high-order thinking, memory, voluntary movement, and sensory processing

Cerebellum (location and major functions)

“little brain”; coordinates balance, posture, and smooth voluntary motor skills

Brainstem (location and major functions)

ventral to cerebellum; controls automatic functions (heart rate, sleep, breathing)

Spinal cord (location and major functions)

runs from base of brainstem, through the spinal cord; transmits signals and mediates rapid spinal reflexes

Spinal nerves (location and major functions)

down the back; carry sensory information to the central nervous system and motor commands out to muscles and glands

Frontal lobe (location and major functions)

front; executive function, motor control, problem-solving, and speech production

Parietal lobe (location and major functions)

behind frontal lobe, above temporal lobe; Processes touch, temperature, pain, and spatial awareness

Temporal lobe (location and major functions)

near ears; handles auditory processing, language comprehension, and memory

Occipital lobe (location and major functions)

back of head; processes visual information, color, shape, and motion

Cerebrospinal fluid [location], and is produced by _.

fills the ventricles and surrounds the brain, choroid plexus

What does CSF do?

bathes neurons in a controlled fluid environment

CSF resembles _.

plasma, but is more tightly regulates

In the blood-brain barrier, tight junctions make _.

brain capillaries less leaky

In the blood-brain barrier, what do astrocytes and pericytes do?

contribute to control of the neural environment

What is the purpose of the blood-brain barrier?

selective control over what reaches brain ECF

fMRI signals _.

reflect changes in local blood flow and oxygenation

PET uses _.

radioactive glucose to show regions with increased energy utilization