Neuroscience Hindbrain, Midbrain, Forebrain Overview

The most posterior part of the brainstem, responsible for vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

A complex network of neurons within the brainstem that regulates arousal, sleep-wake cycles, and muscle tone.

A large, convoluted structure located on the dorsal surface of the brainstem, responsible for coordination, balance, and motor control.

Impairment in the ability to control and coordinate movements, often due to damage to the cerebellum.

The cerebellum's role extends beyond motor control, as it is also involved in cognitive processes like decision-making and language.

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions like thinking, language, and memory.

The part of the brain responsible for sensory relay and some motor control.

The part of the brain responsible for relaying sensory information and controlling basic functions like breathing and heart rate.

The part of the brain that controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

It connects the brain to the rest of the body, carrying messages between the brain and the nerves that control movement, sensation, and reflexes.

The part of the brain responsible for regulating sleep, hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

Neurons in the cerebral cortex with a pyramid-shaped cell body, a long apical dendrite extending towards the surface, and a very long axon.

Smaller neurons in the cerebral cortex with a star-shaped cell body and a short axon or no axon.

The six distinct layers of the neocortex, each characterized by unique cell types, sizes, and densities.

The flow of information through the neocortex, perpendicular to the layers, connecting different layers.

A large dendrite extending from the apex of a pyramidal cell, projecting towards the surface of the cortex.

The outermost layer of the cerebral cortex, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

The front lobe of the brain, involved in planning, decision making, and movement.

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for complex cognitive functions.

A prominent ridge or fold on the surface of the brain, specifically the frontal lobe, involved in motor control.

The groove or sulcus that separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

A prominent ridge or fold on the surface of the brain, specifically the parietal lobe, involved in sensory processing.

The layers of the neocortex, numbered I through VI, with layer I being the outermost and layer VI being the innermost.

A type of staining technique that highlights the shapes and distribution of cell bodies in the brain.

A type of staining technique that reveals the silhouettes of individual neurons in the brain, allowing for the study of their intricate structures.

These are regions in the frontal cortex that are involved in complex cognitive functions like planning and decision-making.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the brain and spinal cord. While the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is all the nerves branching out from the CNS.

Each segment of the spinal cord contains nerve pathways. These pathways convey information from the body to the brain and vice versa.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares your body for action (fight or flight). The parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and digestion.

The cerebellum is an important brain region that contributes to:

1. Movement coordination
2. Timing and sequencing
3. Learning and conditioning

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions like thinking, language, and memory. It receives sensory information (except smell) from the thalamus.

The thalamus is a major relay center in the brain, responsible for filtering and directing sensory information to the cerebral cortex. It's also involved in maintaining working memory.

Subcortical areas of the forebrain are structures located beneath the cerebral cortex. Together, they play critical roles in various functions including movement, emotion, memory, and hormone release.

The cerebral ventricles are fluid-filled cavities within the brain. This cerebrospinal fluid provides buoyancy and cushioning for the brain.

A part of the cerebral cortex that receives sensory input from the body, mapping different parts of the body.

A region of the cerebral cortex responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements. It maps different body parts.

Specialized areas within the motor cortex that control specific movements of various body parts. For example, the hand area controls hand movements.

Areas within the somatosensory cortex that are responsible for processing specific sensory information from different body parts.

The principle that the amount of cortex devoted to a body part is proportional to the sensitivity or control required for that part.

The phenomenon where the size of a body part's representation in the cortex changes with use or disuse. For example, musicians have larger cortical areas for their fingertips.

Regions of the brain that are responsible for specific functions, such as language, movement, or sensation.

A systematic study of the brain's structure and function by examining the relationship between brain damage and behavioral deficits.

A non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures blood flow in the brain to identify active areas.

A non-invasive brain imaging technique that records electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp.

A surgical procedure that involves stimulating specific areas of the brain with electrical currents to observe the resulting behavior.