Brain Anatomy and Central Nervous System Quiz

Brain Structure and Function

• The cerebral cortex is responsible for the outer surface of the brain being folded, increasing surface area for neural processing.
• The gray matter surface of the brain is primarily located in the cerebral cortex, containing neuron cell bodies and playing crucial roles in processing and cognition.
• White matter consists of myelinated axons found underneath the gray matter, facilitating communication between different brain regions.

Meninges

• The dura mater is the most superficial layer of the cranial meninges, providing a protective sheath around the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial Nerves and Their Functions

• Oculomotor nerve (CN III) controls the muscles that move the eye, lift the eyelid, and adjust pupil diameter.
• Olfactory nerve (CN I) is responsible for the sense of smell, transmitting odor information from the nasal cavity to the brain.
• Facial nerve (CN VII) provides signals for taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
• Abducens nerve (CN VI) controls the lateral rectus muscle, which abducts the eye away from the midline.
• Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) is associated with the senses of hearing and equilibrium, transmitting sound and balance information to the brain.