brain and gross anatomy and function

Rostral

Towards the forehead or anterior part of the brain.

Caudal

Towards the tail or posterior part of the brain/spinal cord.

Cerebral

Pertaining to the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain.

Fissure

A deep groove separating the two hemispheres of the cerebrum.

Gyrus

The plural term for the raised tops of the hills of the brain.

Sulcus

A groove or fissure on the surface of the brain.

Corpus callosum

The large structure that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Myelinated

Nerve fibers covered with a myelin sheath, giving them a white appearance.

Lateral sulcus

A major groove in the brain that separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain located at the back, responsible for motor coordination.

Medulla oblongata

The part of the brainstem that controls vital life functions such as heart rate and respiration.

Pons

The part of the brainstem that acts as a relay between the cerebellum and cerebrum.

Thalamus

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

Hypothalamus

The brain region controlling the pituitary gland and various autonomic functions.

Choroid plexus

A structure in the ventricles of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Pineal gland

A small gland that produces melatonin, regulating sleep cycles.

Blood-brain barrier

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Astrocytes

Glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier and regulate blood flow in the brain.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear, colorless liquid that fills the ventricles and surrounds the brain, providing cushioning and buoyancy.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled cavities in the brain that circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Arborvitae

The tree-like structure in the cerebellum; means 'tree of life'.

Central sulcus

The prominent grove separating the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

Gray matter

Neural tissue that is mostly non-myelinated and forms the outer layer of the brain and spinal cord.

White matter

Neural tissue that is myelinated and forms the inner areas of the brain and spinal cord.

Anterior pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland, responsible for hormone production and secretion.

Posterior pituitary

The back part of the pituitary gland, which stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Medulla

Part of the brainstem that connects to the spinal cord and regulates vital functions.

Limbic system

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and arousal.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

A test that monitors the electrical activity of the brain.

Cerebellar ataxia

A loss of control of bodily movements, typically characterized by uncoordinated movements.

Frontal lobe

The brain region associated with personality, decision-making, and executive functions.

Parietal lobe

The brain region involved in processing sensory information and spatial orientation.

Occipital lobe

The brain region responsible for visual processing.

Temporal lobe

The brain region associated with hearing and language processing.

Hippocampus

A part of the limbic system involved in memory formation.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in emotion regulation, particularly fear and pleasure.