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Brain anatomy notes
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Notes on the human brain
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MAJOR DIVISIONS OF THE BRAINA. FOREBRAIN
Also known as the PROSENCEPHALON
The forebrain is split into 2 divisions, namely the telencephalon and diencephalon
Highest form of mental activity is found in the prefrontal lobe
CEREBRUM
Largest part of the brain
LONGITUDINAL FISSURE: divides cerebrum into left and right hemispheres
CORPUS CALLOSUM: connection between the left and right hemispheres
HEMISPHERES
Most conspicuous features on the surface of each hemisphere:
o GYRI: numerous folds which greatly increase the surface area of the cortex
o SULCI: intervening grooves
Left hemisphere – controls right side of the body
o Math, analytic, and speech
Wernicke’s area: parietal lobe; comprehension/where words are heard and processed
Bronca’s area: frontal lobe; speech/where words are formulated
Right hemisphere – controls left side of body
o Music, art, and abstract ideas
TELENCEPHALON
Contains the left and right cerebral hemisphere
A major component of the telencephalon is the cerebral cortex, which is further divided into four lobes
a. Frontal – voluntary motor functions, motivation, aggression, mood, and olfactory perception
b. Parietal – principal center for receiving and consciously perceiving most sensory information (touch, pain,
temperature, and balance)
CENTRAL SULCUS: or FISSURE OF ROLANDO; separates the frontal and parietal lobes
c. Occipital –visual input; not distinctly separate from other lobes
d. Temporal – olfactory and auditory sensations, memory
“Psychic cortex”: anterior and inferior portions of the temporal lobe that are associated with
functions such as abstract thought and judgement
LATERAL FISSURE: separates the temporal lobes from the rest of the cerebrum
o LATERAL SULCUS: or SYLVIAN FISSURE; separates the frontal and parietal lobes
superiorly from the temporal lobe inferiorly
INSULA/FIFTH LOBE: found deep within the lateral fissure; for visceral sensation
DIENCEPHALON
The part of the brain between the brainstem and the cerebrum, therefore this is also known as the
INTERBRAIN
Contains the THALAMUS, HYPOTHALAMUS, and EPITHALAMUS
a. Thalamus
- Largest part of the diencephalon
- Consists of a cluster of nuclei and is shaped like a yo-yo
- INTERTHALAMIC ADHESION: is found in the center of the “yo-yo” and connects these 2 lateral
parts
- Influences mood and registers and unlocalized, uncomfortable perception of pain
PATHWAY OF THE PROCESSES OF THE THALAMUS
1. Sensory input ascends through the spinal cord and brainstem and projects to the thalamus
2. Ascending neurons will then synapse with thalamic neurons
3. Thalamic neurons will send their axons to the cerebral cortex
4. Cerebral cortex will then process the sensory input
b. Hypothalamus
- Most inferior part of the diencephalon
- Contains several small nuclei – maintains homeostasis
, - Involved in the control of body temperature, hunger, thirst, and the secretion of hormones from the
pituitary gland
- Sensations (sexual pleasure, rage, fear, relaxation after a meal) and emotional responses are
related to hypothalamic functions
- INFUNDIBULUM: a funnel-shaped stalk that extends from the floor of the hypothalamus to the
pituitary gland
- MAMILLARY BODIES: form externally visible swellings on the posterior portion of the
hypothalamus and are involved in emotional responses to odors and in memory
c. Epithalamus
- Small area superior and posterior to the thalamus
- Consists of a few small nuclei
- Involved in the emotion and visceral response to odor, and the pineal gland
- PINEAL GLAND: endocrine gland that may influence the onset of puberty and may play a role in
controlling some long-term cycles that are influenced by the light-dark cycle
B. MIDBRAIN
Also known as the MESENCEPHALON
Smallest region of the brainstem
Contains involved in coordinating eye movements and controlling pupil diameter and lens shape
The rest of the midbrain consists of ascending tracts from the spinal cord to the cerebrum and descending tracts
from the cerebrum to the spinal cord or cerebellum
Is divided into anterior and posterior parts
CEREBRAL PEDUNCLES
Anterior part
CORPORA QUADRIGEMINA
also known as COLLICULI – four mounds (“quadri-” = four)
a. 2 SUPERIOR COLLICULI: vision
b. 2 INFERIOR COLLICULI: auditory
SUBSTANTIA NIGRA: a black nuclear mass which is part of the basal nuclei and is involved in regulating
general body movements
C. HINDBRAIN
Also known as the RHOMBENCEPHALON
Contains the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata
Assists in the regulation of autonomic functions, maintaining balance and equilibrium, movement coordination,
and the relay of sensory information
CEREBELLUM
“little brain”
Second largest part of the brain
Responsible for movement and balance
CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLES: large connections that attach cerebellum to the brainstem; provides routes
of communication between cerebellum and other parts of the CNS
o The gyri of the cerebellum is much smaller compared that of the cerebrum
PONS
Immediately superior to the medulla oblongata
Contains ascending and descending nerve tracts as well as several nuclei
Serves as a functional bridge between the cerebrum and cerebellum (resembles an arched footbridge)
Controls the intensity of breathing
a. APNEUSTIC RESPIRATION – inspiration
b. PNEUMOTAXIC RESPIRATION – expiration
Swallowing, balancing, chewing, and salivation
MEDULLA OBLONGATA
Most inferior portion of the brainstem; continuous with the spinal cord
Most posterior part of the hindbrain
Extends from the foramen magnum to the pons
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