Orientation to CNS

Question 1

Functional group of neurons within the CNS

Answer 1

nuclei (sing. nucleus)

Question 2

Three major types of CNS pathways

Answer 2

1) association pathways
2) commissural pathways
3) projection pathways

Question 3

Association Pathway

Answer 3

Axons connect different cortical areas within one hemisphere

Question 4

Commissural Pathway

Answer 4

Axons connect areas on both sides of the brain (generally homotopic areas)

Question 5

Projection Pathway

Answer 5

Axons connect specific areas to other areas or nuclei; can be ascending or descending

Question 6

Major subdivisions of adult human brain

Answer 6

Telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon, myelencephalon

Question 7

Subdivision(s) of the brain making up the forebrain

Answer 7

Telencephalon and Diencephalon

Question 8

Subdivision(s) of the brain making up the midbrain

Answer 8

Mesencephalon

Question 9

Subdivision(s) of the brain making up the hindbrain

Answer 9

Metencephalon and Myelencephalon

Question 10

Brain subdivisions making up what is called the brain stem

Answer 10

Midbrain, Pons, Medulla

Question 11

What subdivision of the brain are the cerebral hemispheres (incl. cerebral cortex) included in?

Answer 11

Telencephalon (part of the forebrain)

Question 12

The numerous foldings or crevices in the cerebral cortex

Answer 12

Sulci or fissures (if they’re deep)

Question 13

Bumps and ridges in the cerebral cortex

Answer 13

gyri

Question 14

Two deepest sulci in the cerebral cortex

Answer 14

Lateral and central sulci

Question 15

Lobes of the brain

Answer 15

Frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital

Question 16

Four “subcortexes” of the cerebral cortex

Answer 16

1) primary sensory/motor cortex
2) unimodal association cortex
3) hetermodal association cortex
4) limbic cortex

Question 17

Unimodal Association Cortex

Answer 17

Higher order processes take place here for a single sensory or motor modality; these areas generally lie near or adjacent to the primary area for that sense

Question 18

Hetermodal Association Cortex

Answer 18

Involved in integrating functions from multiple sensory and/or motor modalities. Involved in executive function and decision making

Question 19

Limbic Cortex

Answer 19

Regulates emotion and memory in conjunction with deeper brain structures

Question 20

Subcortical gray matter nuclei forming a complex network of inhibitor and excitatory connections

Answer 20

Basal ganglia

Question 21

Four main regulatory channels the basal ganglia are involved in

Answer 21

1) Motor channel (General motor control)
2) Oculomotor Channel (eye movement)
3) Prefrontal Channel (cognitive function)
4) Limbic Channel (emotional function)

Question 22

Major sensory relay station in center of brain. Most pathways that project to the cortex have synaptic relays here. Also conveys inputs from cerebellum and basal ganglia.

Answer 22

Thalamus

Question 23

These two structures form the link between the neural and endocrine systems

Answer 23

Hypothalamus and Pituitary

Question 24

The hypothalamus forms the walls and floor of which ventricle

Answer 24

Third ventricle

Question 25

The limbic system constitutes a diverse interaction of cortical and subcortical structures that regulate:

Answer 25

1) olfaction 2) memory 3) emotions and drives 4) homostatic function

Question 26

Three main parts of the midbrain

Answer 26

1) colliculi 2) tegmentum 3) cerebral peduncles

Question 27

Functions in the colliculi, part of the midbrain

Answer 27

Auditory signal processing (inferior) and visual signal processing (superior)

Question 28

Functions in the tegmentum, part of the midbrain

Answer 28

Movement (red nucleus) and pain processing (periaqueductal grey)

Question 29

Part of the midbrain which serves as a major signaling connection

Answer 29

cerebral peduncles

Question 30

Found between the tegmentum and peduncles (part of midbrain). Play role in dopamine tract and fine motor control

Answer 30

substantia nigra

Question 31

Part of the brain which contains the cranial nerves and their nuclei

Answer 31

brain stem

Question 32

Long tracts of the brain stem

Answer 32

motor and somatosensory pathways. White matter tracts carrying information to and from spinal cord.

Question 33

Circuitry made up of white matter tracts connect the brain stem to what adjacent brain structure

Answer 33

cerebellum (Cerebellar Circuitry)

Question 34

Component of the brain stem with the following characteristics: Systems (cholinergic/serotinergic/dopaminergic) with widespread projections; nuclei for sleep; pain modulatory systems; motor control areas (respiration); autonomics

Answer 34

Reticular formation of the brain stem

Question 35

Lies within the posterior fossa. Forms the roof of the fourth ventricle. Integrates sensory and other inputs from brain and spinal cord.

Answer 35

Cerebellum

Question 36

Functional regions of the cerebellum (4)

Answer 36

1) lateral hemispheres (motor planning for extremities) 2) intermediate hemispheres (distal limb coordination) 3) Vermis lobe (proximal limb/trunk coordination) 4) flucculonodular lobe (balance and vestibulo-ocular reflexes)