lab 2 - the brain

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Questions and Answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?

Olfactory (correct)

Oculomotor

Optic

Trigeminal

The cerebellum is located anterior to the cerebrum.

False

What is the primary function of the medulla oblongata?

Controls vital aspects of cardiovascular and respiratory function

The _________ is the band of white matter responsible for communication between the hemispheres of the brain.

corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the brain with their primary functions:

Frontal lobe = Primary motor area and motor speech area Parietal lobe = Primary somatosensory area Temporal lobe = Processing auditory information Cerebrum = Gyri and sulci surface features Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

Controlling information that reaches the cerebral cortex Signup and view all the answers

The pia mater is the most superficial covering of the brain and spinal cord.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the paired glands located atop the kidneys called?

Adrenal glands Signup and view all the answers

The ______ secretes hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Thyroid Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the spinal cord with their descriptions:

Grey matter = Processing of information White matter = High speed conductors of nerve impulses Central canal = Filled with cerebrospinal fluid Anterior nerve root = Carries impulses to effector sites Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is responsible for processing visual information?

Occipital lobe Signup and view all the answers

The hypothalamus is located superior to the thalamus.

False Signup and view all the answers

What fills the subarachnoid space?

Cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

The ______ secretes hormones like aldosterone to regulate sodium and potassium levels.

Zona glomerulosa Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily found in the parathyroid glands?

Chief cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the optic chiasma in the visual pathway?

The optic chiasma facilitates the crossing of optic nerve fibers, allowing visual information from both eyes to be processed in both cerebral hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the corpus callosum.

The corpus callosum is a band of white matter that enables communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the trigeminal nerve contribute to facial function?

The trigeminal nerve provides sensory information from facial regions and controls the muscles involved in chewing. Signup and view all the answers

How does the cerebellum contribute to movement?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture and balance. Signup and view all the answers

What functions are associated with the medulla oblongata?

The medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions such as heart rate and respiration. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing and visual association. Signup and view all the answers

How does the thalamus contribute to information processing in the brain?

The thalamus controls the information that reaches the cerebral cortex, acting as a relay station. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus in maintaining homeostasis?

The hypothalamus regulates circadian rhythms, thirst, hunger, body temperature, and controls the pituitary gland. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the composition and function of the spinal cord's grey matter.

Grey matter consists of neuronal cell bodies and is involved in the processing of information. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the white matter from the grey matter in the spinal cord?

White matter is located on the outer region and consists of myelinated axons, facilitating high-speed nerve impulse conduction. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the three meninges and describe their arrangement relative to the brain.

The three meninges are dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, arranged from outermost to innermost. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the adrenal gland's zona fasciculata?

The zona fasciculata secretes glucocorticoids like cortisol, which is involved in stress response. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the thyroid follicles in hormone production.

Thyroid follicles produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones, essential for regulating metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the central canal located, and what is its function?

The central canal is located in the center of grey matter and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the spinal ganglion in the spinal nerves?

The spinal ganglion contains sensory neurons that relay information back to the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

The sensory nerve for vision originates in the ______ and is triggered when light hits photoreceptors in the eye.

retina Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is a band of white matter that facilitates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is responsible for controlling vital aspects of cardiovascular and respiratory function.

medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

The ______ lobe is located inferior to the frontal lobe and is associated with auditory processing.

temporal Signup and view all the answers

The ______ connects the medulla oblongata to the cerebellum and higher brain centers.

pons Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythm, thirst, hunger, and body temperature.

hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

The ______ lobe is primarily involved in processing visual information.

occipital Signup and view all the answers

The outer region of the spinal cord, known as ______, is responsible for high-speed conduction of nerve impulses.

white matter Signup and view all the answers

The ______ mater is the most superficial membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

dura Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is located at the center of the grey matter and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

central canal Signup and view all the answers

The ______ glands are responsible for secreting melatonin.

pineal Signup and view all the answers

The anterior (motor) nerve root contains axons of ______ neurons.

motor Signup and view all the answers

The ______ produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones.

thyroid Signup and view all the answers

The ______ space is located between the pia mater and the arachnoid mater and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

subarachnoid Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is a mass of grey matter in the spinal cord responsible for processing of information.

grey matter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain Structures

Olfactory Bulbs: Sensory nerves for smell, originating in nasal mucosa and terminating in anterior cerebral hemisphere. Olfactory tract carries information to the temporal lobe for interpretation.
Olfactory Tract: Carries smell information to the temporal lobe.
Optic Nerve: Sensory nerve for vision, originating in the retina. Activated by light hitting photoreceptors.
Optic Chiasma: Where optic nerves converge, forming an X-shape.
Oculomotor Nerve: Motor nerve originating in the midbrain, controlling extrinsic eye muscles.
Trigeminal Nerve: Mixed cranial nerve (motor and sensory) arising from midbrain/pons junction. Sensory portion interacts with facial sensation from oral/nasal areas; motor part influences chewing and swallowing.
Midbrain: Situated under the diencephalon, involved in eye movement, vision, and hearing. Anterior portion carries nerve pathways; posterior portion receives sensory reflexes.
Cerebellum: Located posterior to cerebrum, separated by transverse fissure, responsible for movement control.
Pons: Connects medulla oblongata and cerebellum to higher brain centers.
Medulla Oblongata: Located between pons and spinal cord, controls vital functions like cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Cerebral Lobes

Cerebrum: Outer gyri, defined by sulci/fissures; divides into lobes:
Frontal Lobe: Anteriormost; contains primary motor area and motor speech area.
Parietal Lobe: Posterior to frontal lobe, includes primary somatosensory area, somatosensory association area, and gustatory area.
Temporal Lobe: Located inferior to frontal and parietal lobes; includes primary auditory, auditory association areas, and olfactory areas.
Occipital Lobe: Posteriormost, contains primary visual area and visual association areas.

Diencephalon

Thalamus: Located within the centre of the cerebrum; processes, integrates, and relays information to the cerebral cortex. Situated in the diencephalon's walls.
Hypothalamus: Located inferior to thalamus; responsible for regulating circadian rhythm, thirst, hunger, body temperature, and controls the pituitary gland.
Pituitary Gland: Located just below the hypothalamus; it is a component of the endocrine system.

Spinal Cord and Nerves

Spinal Cord:
- Grey Matter: "H"-shaped inner region, processes information (anterior and posterior horns).
- White Matter: Outer region, high-speed nerve impulse conductors separated by grey matter horns.
- Central Canal: Filled with cerebrospinal fluid, continuous with brain cavities.
Spinal Nerves: 31 pairs in total.
Anterior Nerve Root: Motor axons carrying impulses to effectors (muscles/glands).
Posterior Nerve Root: Sensory axons with a ganglion for sensory neurons carrying information towards the spinal cord.

Brain Meninges

Dura Mater: Dense irregular connective tissue; outermost covering.
Epidural Space: Between vertebrae & dura mater, filled with connective, vascular, and adipose tissues.
Arachnoid Mater: Thin, elastic membrane (middle layer).
Subdural Space: Separates dura and arachnoid mater.
Subarachnoid Space: Between pia and arachnoid mater; contains cerebrospinal fluid.
Pia Mater: Deepest vascularized layer (innermost), closely adhering to brain/spinal cord.

Thyroid Gland

Thyroid Follicles: Spherical sacs with follicular cells producing thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Colloid: The space in the center of follicles containing precursor material for T3 and T4 hormones.
Parafollicular Cells: Produce calcitonin.
Parathyroid Glands: Four small masses posterior to the thyroid; produce hormones regulating calcium.

Adrenal Glands

Zona Glomerulosa: Outer layer, secretes mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone).
Zona Fasciculata: Secretes glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol).
Zona Reticularis: Secretes androgens (hormones influencing male traits).
Adrenal Medulla: The innermost layer, secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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Description

Explore the intricate structures of the brain, including the olfactory bulbs, optic nerve, and their roles in sensory and motor functions. This quiz covers key components of the nervous system, providing insights into how these structures interact to ensure proper sensory perception and motor control.