Midbrain and Associated Structures

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the midbrain, its structures, and associated brain functions.

Basal Nuclei

A group of nuclei in the midbrain that play crucial roles in motor control.

Red Nuclei

A collection of neurons in the midbrain involved in motor coordination.

Oculomotor Nerve (Cranial Nerve III)

A cranial nerve responsible for controlling most of the eye's movements.

Trochlear Nerve (Cranial Nerve IV)

A cranial nerve that controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

Substantia Nigra

A brain structure involved in movement regulation and affected in Parkinson's disease.

Cerebellum

A part of the brain that plays an important role in motor control and coordination.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, including those that control eye movements.

Superior Colliculus

A nucleus in the midbrain involved in directing eye movements and visual reflexes.

Inferior Colliculus

A nucleus in the midbrain that is important for auditory reflexes.

Diencephalon

A part of the brain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sensory and motor signals; involved in consciousness and regulation.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling autonomic functions, emotions, and homeostasis.

Epithalamus

The part of the diencephalon that includes the pineal gland and is involved in the sleep-wake cycle.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Sulcus

A groove on the surface of the brain that separates gyri.

Gyri

The raised folds of the cerebral cortex.

Neuropsychology

The study of the relationship between behavior and brain function.

Reticular Formation

A structure in the brain involved in regulating wakefulness and attention.

Limbic System

A set of structures in the brain associated with emotions and memory.

Alpha Waves

Brain waves associated with relaxed yet alert states.

Beta Waves

Brain waves associated with active thinking and problem-solving.

Delta Waves

Brain waves associated with deep sleep.

REM Sleep

The stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement and vivid dreams.