Anatomy of the Brain

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

Higher functions (correct)

Sensory function

Auditory function

Visual function

What is the middle layer of meninges that covers the brain and spinal cord?

Dura matter

Pia matter

Meningeal matter

Arachinoid matter (correct)

What is the function of the parietal lobe?

Auditory function

Sensory function (correct)

Motor function

Visual function

What is the term for the clusters of grey matter found inside the cerebrum?

Basal ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the grooves or depressions on the surface of the cerebral hemisphere?

Sulci Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the outer layer of the cerebrum?

Cerebral cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the choroid plexuses?

Production of the CSF Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the arachnoid villi?

Absorption of the CSF Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?

Optic nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the blood-brain barrier?

To prevent substances from entering the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of brain microvessels?

Endothelium with tight intercellular junctions without fenestrations Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

12 pairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebellum in the human body?

Coordination of movement and balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the cavity that separates the cerebellum from the brain stem?

Fourth ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What is the continuation of the medulla oblongata in the spinal cord?

Spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Where are the two lateral ventricles located in the brain?

Laterally in the cerebral hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

What is the fluid that fills the ventricles and central canal?

Cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue is the spinal cord composed of?

Nervous tissue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Structures Protecting the CNS

The skull and vertebral column serve as protective structures, with the skull safeguarding the brain and the vertebral column protecting the spinal cord.
Meninges consist of three protective sheets:
- Dura mater: tough outer layer lining the inside of the skull.
- Arachnoid mater: middle layer.
- Pia mater: soft inner layer lining the brain.

Cerebrum

External Structure: The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres by the Median Longitudinal Fissure.
Gyri and Sulci: Gyri are the raised parts, while sulci are the grooves on the cerebral surface.
Lobes of the Cerebrum:
- Frontal Lobe: located anteriorly; associated with higher functions.
- Parietal Lobe: positioned laterally and above; responsible for sensations.
- Temporal Lobe: located laterally and below; involved in auditory functions.
- Occipital Lobe: positioned posteriorly; responsible for vision.
Internal Structure:
- Comprised of grey matter (cerebral cortex) on the outer layer and white matter formed from nerve axons beneath it.
- Basal ganglia: clusters of grey matter located internally within the cerebrum.

Ventricles and CSF

Brain Ventricles: Four interconnected cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Lateral Ventricles: two located laterally in the cerebral hemispheres.
- Third Ventricle: situated medially within the cerebral hemispheres.
- Fourth Ventricle: located between the brainstem and cerebellum.
Choroid Plexuses: Responsible for the production of CSF.
Subarachnoid space and Arachnoid Villi: Areas involved in the absorption of CSF.

Cranial Nerves

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves responsible for innervating the head and neck.
- Olfactory (I): sensory for smell.
- Optic (II): sensory for vision.
- Oculomotor (III): motor for extraocular muscles.
- Trochlear (IV): motor for superior oblique muscle.
- Trigeminal (V): mixed nerve for facial sensations and mastication muscles.
- Abducent (VI): motor for lateral rectus muscle.
- Facial (VII): mixed; controls muscles of facial expression.
- Vestibulocochlear (VIII): sensory for balance and hearing.
- Glossopharyngeal (IX): mixed; innervates tongue and pharynx.
- Vagus (X): mixed; extends to head, neck, chest, and abdomen.
- Accessory (XI): motor for trapezius muscle.
- Hypoglossal (XII): motor for tongue muscles.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

The BBB is a protective membrane regulating substance passage from blood to the CNS.
Comprised of tightly packed endothelial cells, preventing many substances from crossing, while allowing alcohol and some heavy metals.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the head, inferior to the cerebrum and posterior to the brainstem.
Divided into two cerebellar hemispheres; function includes body movement coordination and balance.

Brain Stem

Contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, which continues into the spinal cord.
Essential for regulating vital processes such as breathing and heartbeat.

Spinal Cord

Continuation of the medulla oblongata running through the vertebral column, housing the central canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Composed of both white and grey matter for nervous tissue function.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of the brain, including the cerebellum, brain stem, and their respective parts and functions.