valence anatomy of the brain 12/8/10

he forebrain is responsible for a variety of functions including receiving and processing sensory
information, thinking, perceiving, producing and understanding language, and controlling motor
function. There are two major divisions of forebrain: the diencephalon and the telencephalon. The
diencephalon contains structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus which are responsible for
such functions as motor control, relaying sensory information, and controlling autonomic functions. The
telencephalon contains the largest part of the brain, the cerebral cortex. Most of the actual information
processing in the brain takes place in the cerebral cortex. The midbrain and the hindbrain together
make up the brainstem. The midbrain is the portion of the brainstem that connects the hindbrain and
the forebrain. This region of the brain is involved in auditory and visual responses as well as motor
function. The hindbrain extends from the spinal cord and is composed of the metencephalon and
myelencephalon. The metencephalon contains structures such as the pons and cerebellum. These
regions assists in maintaining balance and equilibrium, movement coordination, and the conduction of
sensory information. The myelencephalon is composed of the medulla oblongata which is responsible
for controlling such autonomic functions as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Anatomy of the Brain:
Structures
The brain contains various structures that have a multitude of functions. Below is a list of major
structures of the brain and some of their functions.
Basal Ganglia Involved in cognition and voluntary movementDiseases related to damages of this area are
Parkinson's and Huntington's Brainstem Relays information between the peripheral nerves and spinal
cord to the upper parts of the brainConsists of the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and the pons
Broca's Area Speech productionUnderstanding language Central Sulcus (Fissure of Rolando)
Deep grove that separates the parietal and frontal lobes Cerebellum Controls movement coordination
Maintains balance and equilibrium Cerebral Cortex Outer portion (1.5mm to 5mm) of the cerebrum
Receives and processes sensory informationDivided into cerebral cortex lobes Cerebral Cortex Lobes
Frontal Lobes -involved with decision-making, problem solving, and planning Occipital Lobes-involved
with vision and color recognition Parietal Lobes - receives and processes sensory information
Temporal Lobes - involved with emotional responses, memory, and speech Cerebrum Largest portion of
the brainConsists of folded bulges called gyri that create deep furrows Corpus Callosum
Thick band of fibers that connects the left and right brain hemispheres Cranial Nerves
Twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain, exit the skull, and lead to the head, neck and torso
Fissure of Sylvius (Lateral Sulcus) Deep grove that separates the parietal and temporal lobes
Limbic System Structures Amygdala - involved in emotional responses, hormonal secretions, and
memory Cingulate Gyrus - a fold in the brain involved with sensory input concerning emotions and the
regulation of aggressive behavior Fornix - an arching, fibrous band of nerve fibers that connect the
hippocampus to the hypothalamus Hippocampus - sends memories out to the appropriate part of the
cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrievs them when necessary
Hypothalamus - directs a multitude of important functions such as body temperature, hunger, and
homeostasis Olfactory Cortex - receives sensory information from the olfactory bulb and is involved in
the identification of odors Thalamus - mass of grey matter cells that relay sensory signals to and from
the spinal cord and the cerebrum Medulla Oblongata Lower part of the brainstem that helps to control
autonomic functions Meninges Membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord
Olfactory BulbBulb-shaped end of the olfactory lobe
Involved in the sense of smell Pineal Gland Endocrine gland involved in biological rhythmsSecretes the
hormone melatonin Pituitary Gland Endocrine gland involved in homeostasisRegulates other endocrine
glands Pons Relays sensory information between the cerebrum and cerebellum Reticular Formation
Nerve fibers located inside the brainstemRegulates awareness and sleep Substantia Nigra Helps to
control voluntary movement and regualtes mood Tectum The dorsal region of the mesencephalon (mid
brain)
valence anatomy of the brain 12/8/10

Cranial nerves are nerves that emerge directly from the brain stem, in contrast to spinal nerves which
emerge from segments of the spinal cord.
tegmentum The ventral region of the mesencephalon (mid brain).
Ventricular System - connecting system of internal brain cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid
Aqueduct of Sylvius - canal that is located between the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle
Choroid Plexus - produces cerebrospinal fluid
Fourth Ventricle - canal that runs between the pons, medulla oblongata, and the cerebellum
Lateral Ventricle - largest of the ventricles and located in both brain hemispheres
Third Ventricle - provides a pathway for cerebrospinal fluid to flow
Wernicke's Area Region of the brain where spoken language is understood
Cranial Nerve:        Major Functions: I Olfactory        smell II Optic        vision III
Oculomotor        eyelid and eyeball movement IV Trochlear        innervates superior oblique
turns eye downward and laterally V Trigeminal        chewing
face & mouth touch & pain VI Abducens        turns eye laterally VII Facial        controls
most facial expressions
secretion of tears & saliva
taste VIII Vestibulocochlear
(auditory)        hearing
equillibrium sensation IX Glossopharyngeal        taste
senses carotid blood pressure X Vagus        senses aortic blood pressure
slows heart rate
stimulates digestive organs
taste XI Spinal Accessory        controls trapezius & sternocleidomastoid
controls swallowing movements XII Hypoglossal        controls tongue Which cranial nerve is
the largest?

CN V (Trigeminal)
Which cranial nerve is the only one that exits the "posterior" side of the brainstem?
CN IV (Trochlear)
How many cranial nerves are responsible for eye movements?
Three: CN III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), and VI (Abducens).
What does "abducens" refer to?
The abducens nerve carries motor impulses to the lateral rectus eye muscle which moves
the eye laterally causing abduction of the eye.
Which cranial nerves carry gustatory (taste) information?
CN VII (Facial), CN IX (Glossopharyngeal) and CN X (Vagus).
Which cranial nerve is the longest?
CN X (Vagus) which reaches from the medulla to the digestive and urinary organs.
What two cranial nerves carry sensory information about blood pressure to the brain?
CN IX (Glossopharyngeal) and CN X (Vagus).
Which cranial nerve is responsible for pupillary constriction?
CN III (Oculomotor).
movements
valence anatomy of the brain 12/8/10

Cranial nerves