Brain Anatomy and Functions

The outermost layer of the meninges, a three-layered protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord.

A fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres in the longitudinal fissure.

A fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebellar hemispheres.

A fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum.

The space between the dura mater and the skull.

The space between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.

The space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates.

Networks of capillaries that produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Fluid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Interruption of blood supply to the brain, causing damage to brain tissue.

Essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells.

Part of the brain's blood supply, supplying the front part of the brain.

Part of the brain's blood supply, supplying the back part of the brain.

Outermost layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions.

Brain functions related to movement.

Brain functions related to sensation (touch, sight, sound, etc).

Brain functions responsible for language.

Transient Ischemic Attack - temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.

Conditions increasing the chance of a stroke (e.g., age, high blood pressure).

Procedures done to understand the cause and location of a stroke.

Initial actions taken to address an acute stroke.

Progressive neurological disorder affecting movement.

A rapid-onset focal neurological event lasting more than 24 hours (or leading to death), with no apparent cause other than vascular issues.

Health factors that can be changed to reduce stroke risk, e.g., hypertension, smoking, and high cholesterol

High blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.

Harmful habit increasing stroke risk.

High levels of lipids (fats) in the blood raising stroke risk.

A metabolic disorder increasing stroke risk.

Reduces platelet stickiness, used to prevent further ischaemic strokes.

Thins blood to treat clots to prevent further stroke. But has a risk of causing brain hemorrhage,.

Rapid-onset, focal neurological signs or symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours.

Treatment options after a stroke include aspirin, blood pressure control, statins, stroke unit care, carotid surgery, and anticoagulation.

Infarction (85% of strokes) is caused by blocked blood flow, stemming from issues like atherosclerosis (50%), small vessel disease (25%), heart emboli (20%), and less common factors (5%).

Haemorrhage (15% of strokes) is caused by bleeding in the brain.

Stroke treatment decisions depend on understanding brain anatomy, underlying causes (pathogenesis), and how best to adjust care to the individual.

The brain and spinal cord are protected by three layers of membranes called meninges.

The toughest, outermost layer of the meninges, providing crucial protection.

The middle, web-like layer of the meninges; it is thinner than the dura mater.

The innermost, delicate layer of the meninges, adhering tightly to the brain.

Regulates voluntary movements, thought, and learning.

Brain's ability to adapt its functions in response to injury, experience, or change.

Main sensory area for touch, heat, and cold.

Main motor area that sends signals to muscles.

In temporal lobe; processes sound.

Located in the occipital lobe; processes sight.

Sensations of touch, pressure, temperature, and body position.

Vision, hearing, and other perceptions needing complex organs.

Sensory info is passed to sensory association areas and other brain parts for evaluation.

Sensory areas (like face or hand) have more receptors, leading to larger brain map sections.

Part of the brain involved in processing emotions.

Storing information for a few seconds or minutes.

Connects brain to body. Conducts reflexes and impulses.

Processes reflexes and filters information.

Carries sensory and motor information.

Integrates basic vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Controls vital reflexes like breathing and blood pressure

Controls autonomic functions like respiration

Controls cranial nerve reflexes, e.g. eye movement, sound reflex.

Regulates consciousness and alertness.

Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.

Processes sensory information and controls autonomic functions.

Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Regulates hormones and certain body functions.

Produces melatonin, involved in biological rhythms.

Highest level of brain function for processing information.

Processes sensory and motor information, including conscious control.

Connects different parts of the brain for communication.

Controls automatic movements and posture