Brain and Cranial Nerves

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to brain anatomy, functions of cranial nerves, and the structure of the central nervous system.

What are the four major regions of the brain?

The four major regions are the cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.

What is the difference between gray matter and white matter?

Gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons, while white matter is made up of myelinated axons.

What are the three layers of cranial meninges?

The three layers are pia mater, arachnoid mater, and dura mater.

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

CSF provides buoyancy, reduces the brain’s weight, protects the CNS by providing a liquid cushion, and helps keep the CNS environment stable.

How is CSF formed?

CSF is formed by the choroid plexus, where blood plasma is filtered through capillaries and modified by ependymal cells.

What is the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

The BBB regulates which substances can enter the brain's interstitial fluid and helps prevent neuron exposure to harmful substances.

What is the function of the primary motor cortex?

The primary motor cortex controls skeletal muscle activity on the opposite side of the body.

What are the five lobes of the cerebrum?

The five lobes are frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insular.

What role does the hypothalamus play in the brain?

The hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, body temperature, emotional behavior, food and water intake, and sleep-wake rhythms.

What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum coordinates and fine-tunes movements, maintains equilibrium and posture, and adjusts movements initiated by the cerebrum.

What type of information does CN I (Olfactory nerve) transmit?

The olfactory nerve transmits the sense of smell.

What is the cranial nerve that controls eye movement and pupil diameter?

CN III, the Oculomotor nerve, controls eye movement, lifts the eyelid, and changes pupil diameter.

What does the trigeminal nerve (CN V) control?

The trigeminal nerve is responsible for somatic sensation from the face and controls chewing movements.

What is the function of the vagus nerve (CN X)?

The vagus nerve conveys visceral sensation and is a parasympathetic nerve to many organs of the body.