General

Question 1

Describe the anatomical encephalic distribution

Answer 1

• telencephalon
• diencephalon
• mesencephalon
• rhomboencephalon

Question 2

What composes the telencephalon ?

Answer 2

• neocortex
• hippocampus
• lateral ventricles

Question 3

What composes the Diencephalon ?

Answer 3

• subcortical nuclei
• subcortical structures
• third ventricle

Question 4

What composes the Mesencephalon ?

Answer 4

• Cerebellar peduncle
• Brainstem

Question 5

What composes the Rhomboencephalon ?

Answer 5

• Cerebellum
• Pons
• Medulla

Question 6

Define Meninges

Answer 6

Meninges are the membranous cover of the whole CNS (encephalon and spinal cord). Its function is the mechanical and immunological protection as it provides a network for vascularisation. It is composed of dura matter, arachnoid matter and pia matter.

Question 7

Define dura matter

Answer 7

Dura matter is the closest membrane to the skull. This loosely arranged membrane can be divided into 4 areas :
- flax cerebri
- flax cerebelli
- tantorium cerebelli
- diaphragma (covers the Stella trucica)

Question 8

Define arachnoid matter

Answer 8

With practically no vascularisation, this layer is found under the dura matter. In the subdural space, small projections of the arachnoid can be found connecting to dura and therefore allowing the transition of CSF. In the subarachnoid space CSF can be found working as a cushion for the encephalon, protecting it against mechanical damage.

Question 9

Define pia matter

Answer 9

Like the dura, this layer is highly vascularized. It is primarily involved in the nutrition of the underneath tissues, holding the form of gyri and sulci.

Question 10

What is the function of the ventricles ?

Answer 10

Their function is the production of CSF for protection against mechanical damage/ intracranial pressure and immunological harm. The CSF is produced in the choroid process of each ventricle.

Question 11

List the cerebral lobes and the main subcortical structures

Answer 11

Cerebral lobes :
- frontal lobe
- parietal lobe
- temporal lobe
- occipital lobe
- insular lobe

Subcortical structures :
- midbrain
- brainstem
- cerebellum
- spinal cord

Question 12

Define sulcus

Answer 12

A fissure (depression) in the surface of the brain

Question 13

Define gyrus

Answer 13

A ridge on the cerebral cortex

Question 14

Describe the anatomy of the frontal lobe

Answer 14

Delimitation :
Immediately in front of the central sulcus, where the pre-central gyrus lies.

Sulci :
- central sulcus
- pre-central sulcus
- superior frontal sulcus
- inferior frontal sulcus

Gyri :
- pre-central gyrus
- middle frontal gyrus
- pars pars orbitalis
- pars triangularis
- pars opercularis

Question 15

Describe the anatomy of the parietal lobe

Answer 15

Delimitation :
Behind central sulcus and above lateral cerebral fissure, ending at the parieto-occipital fissure and divided into superior and inferior parietal lobules by the intra parietal sulcus.

Sulci :
- post-central sulcus
- intra parietal sulcus
- lateral cerebral fissure
- parieto-occipital sulcus

Gyri :
- post central gyrus
- precuneus

Question 16

Describe the anatomy of the temporal lobe

Answer 16

Delimitation :
Beneath the lateral cerebral fissure, being divided into 3 gury running parallel to the central cerebral fissure.

Sulci :
- superior temporal sulcus
- inferior temporal sulcus

Gyri :
- superior temporal gyrus
- auditory gyri
- middle temporal gyrus
- inferior temporal gyrus

Question 17

Describe the anatomy of the occipital lobe

Answer 17

Delimitation :
Marked by the parietal occipital fissure on the medial surface.

Sulci :
- parieto occipital sulcus
- superior occipital sulcus (as a continuation of the intra-parietal sulcus)
- collateral sulcus (as a continuation of the inferior temporal sulcus)
- calcarine sulcus

Gyri :
- superior occipital gyrus
- middle occipital gyrus
- inferior occipital gyrus
- cuneus

Question 18

Describe the anatomy of the insular lobe

Answer 18

Delimitation :
Deep underneath the Sylvanian fissure, under the temporal, frontal and parietal lobules.

Sulci :
- short insular sulcus

Gyri :
- anterior insular lobule
- posterior insular lobule

Question 19

What is the function of the insular lobe ?

Answer 19

The insular lobe is involved in different stage of sensory processing. It seems to be the neural substract for addictive urges, implicating a role in behavioral modulation, mediating compulsion as an interoceptive conditioned response.

Question 20

What is laterality ?

Answer 20

The existence of a dominant and non-dominant hemispheres.

Question 21

Where is the dominant hemisphere located ?

Answer 21

Right hemisphere is dominant in left-handed persons
Left hemisphere is dominant in right-handed persons

Question 22

What are the specificities of the dominant hemisphere ?

Answer 22

• presents the most developed M1 in terms of connexions complexity
• usually contains the communication centers
• presents higher activation in processes involving planning and strategy

Question 23

What are the specificities of the non-dominant hemisphere

Answer 23

• most complex connections between temporal pole and parietal lobe
• presents higher activation in processes involving abstraction and perception

Question 24

What did Penfield design in 1957

Answer 24

The homunculus cerebri, representing the body in the primary motor and somatosensory cortex.