CNS

What are the six main divisions of the brain based on physiological functions?

Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Midbrain, Cerebellum, Pons, Medulla oblongata

How is the nervous system anatomically divided?

Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) and Peripheral Nervous System (ganglia, 12 pairs of cranial nerves, 31 pairs of spinal nerves)

What are the two main subdivisions of the PNS?

Somatic Nervous System (controls skeletal muscle) and Autonomic Nervous System (regulates internal organs)

What are the main functions of the frontal lobe?

Control of skeletal muscles, personality, concentration, planning, decision making, verbal communication

What are the main functions of the parietal lobe?

Somesthetic sensation, speech comprehension, interpretation of textures and shapes

What are the main functions of the temporal lobe?

Interpretation of auditory information, storage (memory) of sounds

What are the main functions of the occipital lobe?

Vision, perception and understanding of visual images, comparing new images with stored ones, eye movement and focusing

What is cerebral lateralization?

Specialization in one hemisphere or the other for various functions, with contralateral control due to decussation of fibers

What are the main functions of the left hemisphere?

Analytical ability, music analysis, language, memory of verbal experiences

What are the main functions of the right hemisphere?

Visuospatial tasks, memory of non-verbal experiences, pattern comprehension, music composition, facial recognition

What is expressive aphasia (Broca’s aphasia)?

Inability to speak despite understanding language; speech limited to short, broken phrases

What is receptive aphasia (Wernicke’s aphasia)?

Inability to understand or produce meaningful language; speech fluent but nonsensical

Why can singing help patients with Broca’s aphasia?

Singing uses right hemisphere regions, allowing alternative language expression via Melodic Intonation Therapy

What are the two main time-scales of memory?

Short-term memory (seconds to minutes) and Long-term memory (minutes to years)

What is memory consolidation?

Process of converting short-term to long-term memory

What are the main components of the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland

What is the main function of the thalamus?

Acts as the sensory-motor relay center and gateway to the cerebral cortex

What percentage of the diencephalon does the thalamus make up?

Approximately 80% of its mass

What are the main functions of the hypothalamus?

Regulates vital bodily functions, integrates CNS and PNS signals, links nervous and endocrine systems

What does the pituitary gland do?

Secretes hormones under hypothalamic control; connects nervous and endocrine systems

What does the pineal gland produce?

Melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles

What are the main components of the hindbrain?

Cerebellum, pons, medulla oblongata

What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

Coordinates movement precision, balance, posture, and motor learning

What does cerebellar damage cause?

Loss of coordination, balance, and fine motor skills (but not paralysis)

What are the main functions of the pons?

Relay station between cerebellum and cerebrum; assists in respiratory regulation

What are the main functions of the medulla oblongata?

Controls involuntary processes like breathing, blood pressure, swallowing, and vomiting

What is the diffuse modulatory system?

Four systems of neurons from the reticular formation that regulate arousal, consciousness, muscle tone, and pain

What are the four main neurotransmitters of the diffuse modulatory systems?

Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine

What is dopamine known as and what does it control?

The “pleasure molecule”; controls reward, motivation, attention, and motor coordination

What does serotonin affect?

Mood, happiness, sleep regulation, and emotional stability

How do SSRIs work?

Block serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin levels in synapses

How do SNRIs work?

Block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, prolonging their effect in synapses

What is the mechanism behind reuptake inhibitors?

Prevent clearance of neurotransmitters from synaptic cleft, enhancing their signaling

What are the main functions of the basal ganglia?

Control voluntary movement and habits; affected in Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette’s, and OCD

What structures make up the limbic system?

Amygdala, hippocampus, and cingulate gyrus

What are the main functions of the limbic system?

Processes emotion, motivation, memory, and goal-directed behavior

What is the hippocampus responsible for?

Learning and memory; exhibits neuroplasticity

What does the cingulate gyrus do?

Aids decision making, attention shifting, and emotional pain processing

What brain structure is involved in sleep regulation?

Reticular formation (part of the diffuse modulatory system)

What role does the pineal gland play in sleep?

Produces melatonin to regulate circadian rhythms