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Anatomy & Physiology: Nervous System Structures

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  • What are the four major regions of the brain?

    The cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum.

  • What composes the cerebral cortex and what is its function?

    The cerebral cortex is composed of grey matter, which contains many neuron cell bodies and dendrites, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

  • What are gyri and sulci in the cerebral cortex?

    Gyri are ridges that increase surface area; sulci are depressions between gyri.

  • What divides the cerebrum into left and right hemispheres?

    The longitudinal fissure (cerebral fissure) divides the cerebrum into left and right hemispheres.

  • What is the corpus callosum and its function?

    The corpus callosum is white matter that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

  • Name the four lobes of the cerebral cortex and one key function of each.

    Frontal lobe: decision making; parietal lobe: tactile senses; occipital lobe: visual processing; temporal lobe: auditory sensation and language comprehension.

  • What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in the frontal lobe?

    The prefrontal cortex is involved in personality, intelligence, and higher cognitive functions.

  • What functions are associated with the parietal lobe?

    Processing tactile senses like touch, pressure, pain, itch, vibration, proprioception, and visual perception.

  • What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?

    The occipital lobe is the main visual processing region of the brain.

  • What are the main functions of the temporal lobe?

    Primary auditory sensation and comprehension of written and spoken language.

  • What structures are included in the limbic system and their general role?

    The amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus are part of the limbic system, which controls emotions and behavior.

  • What is the function of the amygdala?

    Involved in fear, anxiety responses, and long-term memory formation.

  • What role does the hippocampus play?

    It is involved in long-term memory formation.

  • What are the main functions of the hypothalamus?

    Regulates homeostasis, body temperature, circadian rhythm, food and fluid intake, autonomic nervous system, and controls the endocrine system via the anterior pituitary gland.

  • What are the components of the diencephalon?

    The thalamus and hypothalamus compose the diencephalon, which connects the cerebrum with the rest of the nervous system.

  • What is the role of the thalamus in sensory processing?

    The thalamus is the principal relay center for all sensory information except olfaction, processing and sending it to the cerebrum.

  • What are the functions of the midbrain's inferior and superior colliculi?

    Inferior colliculi: auditory processing and reflexive head turning; superior colliculi: visual processing and ocular reflexes.

  • Which cranial nerves originate in the midbrain and their function?

    The oculomotor nerve (CN III) and trochlear nerve (CN IV), both motor nerves involved in eye movements.

  • What is the function of the pons in the brain stem?

    The pons connects the cerebellum and brain stem and houses nuclei of cranial nerves V, VI, VII, and VIII.

  • What vital functions are regulated by the medulla oblongata?

    Regulates heart rate, blood pressure (vasomotor center), and breathing (respiratory center).