External Brain Structures Flashcards
(22 cards)
The meninges
Dura mater, acarchnoid mater, pia mater
Longitudinal fissure
A deep median groove, that separates the right and left hemispheres from each other
cerebral hemispheres
Two hemispheres of the brain. The left is for language and logic, the right is for creativity and awareness.
Gyri
Folds(ridges) of the brain which increase the surface area of the cerebrum allowing more neurons to fit
Sulci
Deep grooves in the brain the separated gyri - these folds allow for large amounts of information to be processed by more nerves. Creates boundaries diffent lobes of the brain.
Frontal lobe
Controls conscious movement of the skeletal muscle; higher functions include judgement and foresight.
Parietal Lobe
Receives sensory input from the skin and proprioceptors. Higher level functions include logical reasoning ( problem solving, math)
Temporal lobe
Primary auditory and auditory association areas of the brain; conscious perception of smell.
Occipital lobe
Primary visual area ( area of the cerebral cortex where visual information synapses, after the thalamus); visual association area
cerebellum
Regulates muscle tone, coordinates muscle activity, and maintains balance and equilibrium.
Pons
“Bridge” of fiber tracts connecting the cerebral hemispheres to the cerebellar hemispheres; contains centers for control of respiration.
Medulla Oblongata
Regulates ANS functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
Spinal Cord
Communication link between the brain and the rest of the body, relauing sensory information and motor commands.
Olfactory bulbs
Location of initial synapse of the olfactory nerve (CN I) . Primary processing center for the sense of smell.
Optic Nerves
Sensory neurons carrying visual information from the retina to the optic chiasm
Optic chiasma
Location where some fibers from both the optic nerves cross over and travel in the optic tract on the opposite side.
Optic tract
Sensory neurons carrying the visual informal form the optic chiasm to the thalamus
Superior Colliculi
Controls visual reflexes, such as the sudden turning of the head toward the source of a flashing light.
Inferior Colliculi
Controls auditory reflexes, such as the sudden turning of the head toward the source of a very loud sound.
Dura Mater
Single layered in the spinal cord, double layered in the brain; a very tough, durable membrane that protects the CNS structure within the cranial cavity; composed of two layers
Arachnoid mater
Thin, loose connective tissue membrane below the dura mater; forms a space for CSF to circulate around the brain and spinal cord
Pia mater
A thin, highly vascular, areolar connective membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord; provides protection against injury.
