Chapter 13 Nervous System: Brain and Cranial Nerves

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Meninges

The layers that protect and support the brain.

Superficial to Deep Meninges Order

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Lateral Ventricles

First location in the flow of CSF through the nervous system.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.

Primary Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Receives sensory information from the body.

Broca’s Area

Involved in speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

Involved in language comprehension.

Prefrontal Cortex

Involved in planning, decision-making, and personality.

Four Major Regions of the Brain

Cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem, cerebellum.

Gyrus

A ridge on the cerebral cortex.

Sulcus

A groove on the cerebral cortex.

Fissure

A deep groove on the cerebral cortex.

Lateralization

The specialization of the left and right cerebral hemispheres for different functions.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebrum Function

Controls higher-level cognitive functions.

Frontal Lobe Function

Involved in motor control, planning, and decision-making.

Parietal Lobe Function

Processes sensory information.

Occipital Lobe Function

Processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe Function

Processes auditory information and memory.

Insular

Lobe of the cerebral cortex is not visible from the surface.

Cerebellum Function

Coordinates movement and balance.

Diencephalon Components

Epithalamus, thalamus, and hypothalamus.

Diencephalon General Function

Relays sensory information and controls endocrine functions.

Brainstem Components

Midbrain, pons, and medulla.

Brainstem General Function

Controls basic life functions.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain.

Cranial Nerve Damage

Can result in specific deficits depending on the nerve affected.

Assessment of Cranial Nerve Damage

Performed through specific tests.

Dura Mater

Outermost layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer of the meninges.

Pia Mater

Innermost layer of the meninges.

CSF Formation

Produced by the choroid plexus in the ventricles.

CSF Reabsorption

Occurs through the arachnoid granulations.

Midbrain Function

Involved in visual and auditory reflexes.

Pons Function

Relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Medulla Function

Controls heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Thalamus Function

Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus Function

Controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.