the autonomy & function of the brain

How much does a brain weigh? What is it made of?

3 lbs - 60% fat, 40% H2O, carbs, salts

what are grey matter & white matter?

grey - darker outer brain, cell bodies

white - lighter inner part of brain, axons

What region of the brain contains the cerebral cortex? What does it control?

cerebrum - speech, thinking, judgement, problem solving, etc

what is the corpus callosum?

C-shaped bundle of white matter, connects lobes of the brain

What are the three regions of the brain stem and what is the function of each region?

mid brain - hearing, movement, calculating responses

pons - tear production, balance, facial expressions, blinking - 12 cranial nerves

medulla - regulates body activity, blood flow, heart rhythm, breathing

What part of Leonard’s brain (from the movie Awakenings) was damaged?

His substantia nigra in his basal ganglia – no longer produced enough dopamine

what does the cerebellum do?

Little brain – co-ordinates voluntary movement, posture, balance, equilibrium

name the types of 3 meninges

Dura mater – contains spaces that allow for passage of veins and arteries to supply blood to the brain.

Arachnoid – contains no blood vessels

Pia mater – veins and arteries that transport nutrients

List the 4 lobes of the brain from front to back

• Frontal – personality, decision-making, movement

• Parietal – identify objects, spatial thinking, pain and touch – Wernicke’s area

• Occipital - vision

• Temporal – short-term memory, speech

What part of the brain is responsible for regulating emotions?

amygdala

What part of the brain regulates basic bodily functions like hunger and thirst?

hypothalamus

What part of the brain does navigation and memory?

hippocampus

What is the part of the brain that co- ordinates sensory input?

thalamus

Which part of the brain controls your sleep/wake cycle?

pineal gland

Which part of the brain controls the functioning of the glands in your body?

pituitary gland

What is the 10th cranial nerve? How might it be important in the feelings of anxiety?

• Vagus nerve

• Controls heart, stomach, throat.

• Activation of these organs associated with anxiety/panic

• Stimulation of Vagus nerve is important for regular functioning of these organs.

• Eg plexing