Overview of Brain Anatomy

A functional system in the brainstem and midbrain that controls alertness, sleep, and consciousness.

A brain region located behind the brainstem, with a cauliflower-like structure, responsible for coordinating movement and balance.

Part of the brainstem vital for respiration, cardiovascular control, and reflexes.

Part of the brainstem that assists in respiration with the medulla and regulates sleep (REM/NREM).

Essential for survival, controlling bodily processes like respiration and circulation.

The brainstem, primarily the medulla oblongata, is crucial for life-sustaining autonomic functions.

Cranial nerves connect brain regions to sensory and motor functions.

Damage at the C1-C2 vertebrae, near the brainstem transition, can cause fatal breathing or circulatory failure.

The hypothalamus initiates hormone production by sending signals to the pituitary gland, a key component of the endocrine system. This signaling regulates hormone levels controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and growth.

The cerebrum is the largest part of the vertebrate brain, positioned at the front and top of the central nervous system.

The cerebrum controls voluntary movements by activating skeletal muscles.

The cerebrum processes sensory information from both general senses (like touch) and special senses (like sight).

Gray matter in the cerebrum is composed of non-myelinated neurons crucial for processing information.

White matter contains myelinated neurons that transmit signals between different brain parts.

The frontal lobe handles voluntary movement, problem-solving, and complex thinking.

The cerebrum is split into two halves: the right and left hemispheres.

The largest part of the brain, controlling perception, thought, memory, emotions, and conscious motor activity. It can override most other systems.

Located inside the cerebrum, acting as a central hub connecting the brainstem and cerebrum, involved in relaying information and homeostasis.

The part of the brain connecting the cerebrum to the spinal cord, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain, with the reticular formation throughout. It is a pathway for cranial nerves.

The lowest part of the brainstem, crucial for autonomic functions like heart rate, breathing, swallowing, and vomiting, and is a pathway for ascending and descending tracts.

A brainstem structure involved in relaying information between the cerebrum and cerebellum, and respiratory and sleep functions. It also contains ascending and descending nerve tracts.

A brainstem structure serving as a visual reflex center and part of the auditory pathway, including ascending and descending nerve tracks.

A network of neurons scattered throughout the brainstem that controls many brainstem activities, including motor control, pain perception, rhythmic contractions, and the sleep-wake cycle.

Located behind the brainstem and involved in controlling muscle movement, tone, coordination, and balance, as well as learning motor skills.

A thick band of white matter connecting the left and right brain hemispheres.

The deep groove separating the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Brain area for voluntary movement, decision-making, personality and smelling

Processes touch, pain, temperature sense from body parts

Responsible for processing visual information.

Processes hearing, smells and helps make memories

Largest fluid-filled cavities in the brain.

Valley/Ridge on brain surface

The innermost meningeal layer that directly covers the brain and contains blood vessels, delivering nutrients and oxygen to brain tissue.

A protective barrier formed by astrocytes around blood vessels in the brain, regulating which substances can pass from the blood into the brain tissue.

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, wrap around blood vessels, acting as gatekeepers to control which substances pass into the brain.

The BBB allows lipid-soluble substances to pass through more easily than water-soluble substances due to the cell membrane's structure.

12 pairs of nerves that connect the brain to sensory and motor functions, each with a specific number, function, and location.

Memory aids used to remember the order and function of cranial nerves. Example: 'On Occasion Our Trusty Truck Acts Funny; Very Good Vehicle Any How.'

A sensory nerve responsible for smell, transmitting information from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulb in the brain.

A sensory nerve responsible for vision, carrying visual information from the retina to the brain for interpretation.

A motor nerve that controls most eye movements, pupil constriction, and lens accommodation.

Damage to Cranial Nerve III causing ptosis (drooping eyelid), strabismus (misaligned eyes), and mydriasis (dilated pupil).

A mixed nerve responsible for taste on the anterior tongue and facial expressions.

A sensory nerve responsible for balance and hearing.