The brain Flashcards
What are the 3 distinct areas of the brain?
Forebrain
Midbrain
Hindbrain
What does the forebrain consist of?
cerebrum
thalamus
hypothalamus
Which is the largest part of the forebrain?
the cerebrum
what percentage of neurons does the cerebrum contain?
90% of the neurons in the entire nervous system
What is the corpus callosum?
a tract of white matter whose never fibres run across the brain between the right and left hemispheres
what are gyri?
upfolds in the brain tissue
what are sulci?
shallow depressions in the brain tissue
what are fissures?
deep crevices in the brain tissue
Where is the thalamus found?
deep in the tissue of the forebrain
What is the function of the thalamus?
to process information from the sense organs and relay it to the cerebral cortex
Where is the hypothalamus found?
ventral to the thalamus
What are the functions of the hypothalamus?
Link between the endocrine and nervous systems
helps to control the autonomic nervous system
Major influence on homeostasis
How does the hypothalamus link between the endocrine and nervous system?
By secreting a series of releasing hormones that are then stored in the pituitary gland
How does the hypothalamus help to control the autonomic nervous system?
by influencing a range of involuntary actions such as sweating, shivering, vasodilation and vasoconstriction
How does the hypothalamus influence homeostasis in the body?
by influencing osmotic balance of body fluids, the regulation of body temperature, and control of thirst and hunger centres in the brain
What structures can be seen on the ventral surface of the forebrain?
Optic chiasma
Pituitary gland
Olfactory bulbs
where is the midbrain found?
lying between the forebrain and the hindbrain, overrun by the cerebral hemispheres.
What is the function of the midbrain?
acts as a pathway for fibres running from the hindbrain to the forebrain carrying the senses of hearing and sight
What does the hindbrain consist of?
Cerebellum
Pons
medulla oblongata
Where is the cerebellum located?
on the dorsal surface of the hindbrain
What is the function of the cerebellum?
controls balance and coordination.
voluntary movements are initiated by the cerebrum and fine adjustments are made and coordinated by the cerebellum
Where is the pons located?
ventral to the cerebellum
forms a bridge of nerve fibres between the cerebellar hemispheres.
what is the function of the pons?
contains centres that control respiration
Where is the medulla oblongata located?
extends from the pons and merges into the spinal chords
