18 Questions
What is the location of the basal nuclei?
Deep within the white matter of the cerebrum
Which brain component is associated with functions such as regulation of many homeostatic functions?
Hypothalamus
Which of the following is NOT a function of the basal nuclei?
Reception and integration of all synaptic input
What is the outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum called?
Cerebral cortex
Which brain component is involved in the regulation of muscle reflexes, equilibrium, and posture?
Brain stem
What is the function of the cerebellum?
All of the above
What is the primary function of astrocytes in the CNS?
Guiding neurons during development and establishing a blood-brain barrier
What is the main function of oligodendrocytes in the CNS?
Forming myelin sheaths around axons
What is the main function of microglia in the CNS?
Releasing destructive chemicals against targets
What percentage of CNS cells are glial cells?
90%
What is the function of ependymal cells lining the ventricles?
Helping form cerebrospinal fluid
What protects the CNS from external injury?
The cranium
Which lobe receives somesthetic and proprioceptive input from a specific body area?
Parietal lobe
What is the function of the Primary motor cortex in the Frontal lobe?
Voluntary motor activity
Which structure separates the Frontal lobe and the Parietal lobe?
Central sulcus
What is the characteristic of the mapping of somatotopic areas in the brain?
It varies slightly between individuals
What is the function of the Occipital lobe?
Initial processing of visual input
What is the characteristic of the brain in terms of its structure and function?
It is influenced by experience and can be remodeled
Study Notes
Brain Regions and Functions
- Occipital lobe: initial processing of visual input
- Temporal lobe: integration of all sensory input
- Parietal lobe: somatosensory processing, receives somesthetic and proprioceptive input from a specific body area
- Frontal lobe: voluntary motor activity, speaking ability, and elaboration of thought
Somatosensory Processing
- Parietal lobe receives most input from the opposite body side
- Each region of its cortex receives somesthetic and proprioceptive input from a specific body area
- The mapping of somatotopic areas varies slightly between individuals and is in a dynamic steady state
- These areas are influenced by use-dependent competition and modified by experience
Brain Components and Functions
- Cerebral cortex: highly convoluted, outer layer of gray matter
- Basal nuclei: located deep within the white matter, involved in various functions
- Thalamus: relay station for all synaptic input, crude awareness of sensation, some degree of consciousness, and role in motor control
- Hypothalamus: regulation of many homeostatic functions, such as temperature control, thirst, urine output, and food intake
- Cerebellum: maintenance of balance, enhancement of muscle tone, and coordination and planning of skilled voluntary muscle activity
- Brain stem: origin of majority of peripheral cranial nerves, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive control centers, and regulation of muscle reflexes involved with equilibrium and posture
Neurons and Glial Cells
- Interneuron: found entirely within the CNS, lies between afferent and efferent neurons
- Glial cells: about 90% of the CNS cells, do not send signals, support interneurons physically, metabolically, and functionally
- Four main kinds of glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells
- Astrocyte functions: holding neurons together, guiding neurons during development, establishing a blood-brain barrier, repairing brain injuries, and playing a role in neurotransmitter activity
- Oligodendrocyte function: forms myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS
- Microglia function: immune defense of the CNS, releases destructive chemicals against targets
- Ependymal cells function: lining the internal cavities of the CNS, helping form cerebrospinal fluid, and serving as neural stem cells
Test your knowledge on the functions of various parts of the brain such as inhibition of muscle tone, coordination of movements, relay station for synaptic input, regulation of homeostatic functions, and more.
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