Cerebrum Flashcards
1.What is falx cerebri?
- Embryologically cerebrum is derived from?
- What is tentorium cerebelli?
The falx cerebri is a tough, crescent-shaped fold of dura mater (the outermost membrane covering the brain) that descends vertically in the longitudinal fissure between the cerebral hemispheres.
It helps to provide structural support and separation between the two hemispheres of the brain.
- Prosencephalon
- The tentorium cerebelli is a strong, crescent-shaped fold of dura mater that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum within the posterior cranial fossa.
It provides structural support and helps to prevent downward displacement of the cerebrum onto the cerebellum.
What is broca’ s area?
Broca’s area is a region in the frontal lobe of the brain, typically located in the left hemisphere, that is involved in speech production and language processing. It plays a crucial role in the production of articulate speech.
What is wernickles area
Wernicke’s area is another region in the brain, located in the left hemisphere in the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus, which is involved in language comprehension and understanding. It helps in the interpretation of spoken and written language.
What is arcuate fasciculus?
The arcuate fasciculus is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area in the brain. It plays a critical role in the integration of language functions, facilitating communication between regions responsible for language production and comprehension.
What is fornix?
The fornix is a C-shaped bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that connects the hippocampus to other regions of the brain, such as the thalamus and mammillary bodies. It plays a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval, as well as in emotional processing.
What is septum pallucidum?
The septum pellucidum is a thin, vertical membrane located in the midline of the brain, between the two lateral ventricles. It separates the two halves (hemispheres) of the brain’s frontal lobes.
The septum pellucidum is primarily composed of two layers of white matter with a thin layer of gray matter sandwiched in between.
What is memillary body?
The mamillary bodies are small, rounded structures located on the undersurface of the brain, near the hypothalamus. They are involved in memory and certain aspects of cognition, particularly in the formation of new memories and in recollecting past experiences.
What are glial cells? Types?
Glial cells, also known as neuroglia or simply glia, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection to neurons. They outnumber neurons and play essential roles in maintaining the structure and function of the nervous system. There are several types of glial cells:
- Astrocytes: Astrocytes are the most abundant type of glial cell in the central nervous system (CNS). They provide structural support to neurons, regulate the extracellular environment, contribute to the blood-brain barrier, and participate in synaptic signaling.
- Oligodendrocytes: Oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing myelin, a fatty substance that wraps around axons in the CNS, forming the myelin sheath. This sheath insulates the axons and facilitates the rapid transmission of electrical impulses.
- Schwann Cells: Schwann cells are the equivalent of oligodendrocytes in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They produce myelin to insulate axons in the PNS and aid in nerve regeneration after injury.
- Microglia: Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS. They survey the brain for pathogens, debris, and abnormalities, and play a crucial role in the brain’s immune response by removing damaged cells and foreign substances.
- Ependymal Cells: Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. They are involved in the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides cushioning and nutrient delivery to the CNS.
What is blood brain barrier?
Its components?
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semipermeable border of endothelial cells that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain tissue while allowing essential nutrients and molecules to pass through. It’s crucial for maintaining the brain’s delicate environment and protecting it from toxins and pathogens in the bloodstream.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) consists of several components:
- Endothelial Cells: These cells line the blood vessels in the brain and form the primary barrier. They are tightly packed together, which limits the passage of substances.
- Tight Junctions: Specialized connections between endothelial cells that seal the gaps between them, preventing most molecules from passing through the gaps.
- Basement Membrane: A thin layer of extracellular matrix proteins that provides structural support to the endothelial cells and helps regulate the passage of molecules.
- Astrocyte End-Feet: Astrocytes are a type of glial cell in the brain that wrap around blood vessels and regulate the BBB by releasing chemical signals that influence endothelial cell function.
The main function of the BBB is to protect the brain from potentially harmful substances in the bloodstream while allowing essential nutrients and molecules to enter. It achieves this by selectively allowing certain substances, such as oxygen, glucose, and amino acids, to pass through while blocking larger molecules, pathogens, and toxins. This selective permeability helps maintain the delicate balance of the brain’s internal environment, ensuring optimal function and protecting against damage.
What is limbic system? Its components? Major controller of limbic system.?
A complex network in brain
The main components of the limbic system include:
- Amygdala: Involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression.
- Hippocampus: Plays a key role in forming and consolidating memories.
- Hypothalamus: Regulates basic physiological processes like hunger, thirst, and body temperature, as well as controlling emotions and behaviors associated with survival.
- Thalamus: Acts as a relay center for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain for further processing.
- Cingulate gyrus: Helps regulate emotions and cognitive processes, such as attention and decision-making.
Hypothalamus- major controller
What is cingulate gyrus?
The cingulate gyrus is a part of the brain located in the cerebral cortex, specifically within the limbic system. It plays a role in various functions including emotion, cognition, attention, and decision-making. The cingulate gyrus is involved in regulating emotional responses, processing pain, coordinating communication between different brain regions, and modulating cognitive control. It’s like a multitasking hub in the brain, helping to integrate and coordinate various aspects of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
