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Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain

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Terms in this set (21)

  • Cerebrum
    Largest part of the brain, responsible for sensory recognition, consciousness, reason, planning, and memory.
  • Gyri
    Cerebral ridges on the surface of the cerebrum that increase surface area.
  • Sulci
    Cerebral clefts or depressions that separate gyri.
  • Cerebral lobes
    Defined regions of the cerebrum with specific functions such as sensory processing and cognition.
  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
    Measurement of brain electrical activity (action potentials) in the cerebral cortex to assess brain function.
  • Brain Cerebellum
    Part of the hindbrain critical for balance, timing, and coordination of skeletal muscle contractions.
  • Diencephalon
    Medial brain region controlling behavior and the endocrine system, including the epithalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thalamus.
  • Epithalamus (pineal gland)
    Gland that releases melatonin and controls circadian and diurnal biological rhythms.
  • Hypothalamus
    Contains nuclei that control autonomic activity, behavior, and pituitary gland function.
  • Pituitary gland (Hypophysis)
    Produces neuroendocrine and endocrine hormones regulating homeostasis and reproduction.
  • Thalamus
    Relay center for sensory information between the cerebrum, brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord.
  • Midbrain
    Controls some eye motor movements and is involved in auditory and visual processing.
  • Pons
    Bridge between cerebrum and cerebellum; origin of the trigeminal nerve controlling facial sensation and mastication.
  • Medulla oblongata
    Continuation of spinal cord; controls autonomic functions like heart rate, respiration, and reflexes such as coughing and swallowing.
  • Ventricular system
    Network of brain cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that cushions the brain and provides nutrients.
  • Choroid plexus
    Capillary network in ventricles covered by ependymal cells that produce cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Meninges
    Three protective connective tissue layers covering brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
  • Dura mater
    Tough outer meningeal layer attached to the skull bones.
  • Arachnoid mater
    Transparent membrane between dura and pia mater; creates subarachnoid space where CSF circulates.
  • Pia mater
    Delicate membrane covering the brain and spinal cord surface.
  • Blood-brain barrier
    Cellular barrier controlling molecule transport from blood to brain, allowing only essential substances to maintain neural health.