Supporting Structures of the Brain
The Brain
I. Supporting structures Anatomy of the Brain
3 Major Areas:
Cerebrum-consists of two hemispheres (thalamus and hypothalamus) that are incompletely separated by the great longitudinal fissure
4 Lobes:
Frontal-major functions are concentration, abstract thought, information storage or memory, and motor function. It also contains Broca’s area, critical for motor control of speech
Parietal-analyzes sensory information and relays the interpretation of the info to the thalamus. It is essential for orientation in space and spatial relations.
Temporal-provides integration of somatization, visual and auditory areas and plays the most dominant role of any area of the cortex in thinking.
Occipital-responsible for visual interpretation
Thalamus-relay station for all sensation except smell.
Hypothalamus-works with pituitary gland to maintain fluid balance and maintains temp. regulation by promoting vasoconstriction or vasodilation. It is also the site of the hunger center and contains the center that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, blood pressure, aggressive and sexual behavior, and emotional response.
Brain Stem-consists of:
Midbrain-serves as the center for auditory and visual reflexes. CN nerves III and IV originate here.
Pons-contains motor and sensory pathways. CN nerves V through VIII connect to the brain in the pons.
Medulla Oblongata-contains motor fibers from the brain to the spinal cord and sensory fibers from the spinal cord to the brain. CN nerves IX through XII connect to the brain in the medulla.
Cerebellum-largely responsible for coordination of movement. It also controls fine movement, balance, position (postural) sense or proprioception (awareness of where each part of the body is), and integration of sensory output.
Structures Protecting the Brain
Major Bones of Skull:
a. Frontal
b. Temporal
c. Parietal
d. Occipital
Meninges-provide protection, support, and nourishment to the brain and spinal cord.
Layers of Meninges:
I. Supporting structures Anatomy of the Brain
3 Major Areas:
Cerebrum-consists of two hemispheres (thalamus and hypothalamus) that are incompletely separated by the great longitudinal fissure
4 Lobes:
Frontal-major functions are concentration, abstract thought, information storage or memory, and motor function. It also contains Broca’s area, critical for motor control of speech
Parietal-analyzes sensory information and relays the interpretation of the info to the thalamus. It is essential for orientation in space and spatial relations.
Temporal-provides integration of somatization, visual and auditory areas and plays the most dominant role of any area of the cortex in thinking.
Occipital-responsible for visual interpretation
Thalamus-relay station for all sensation except smell.
Hypothalamus-works with pituitary gland to maintain fluid balance and maintains temp. regulation by promoting vasoconstriction or vasodilation. It is also the site of the hunger center and contains the center that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, blood pressure, aggressive and sexual behavior, and emotional response.
Brain Stem-consists of:
Midbrain-serves as the center for auditory and visual reflexes. CN nerves III and IV originate here.
Pons-contains motor and sensory pathways. CN nerves V through VIII connect to the brain in the pons.
Medulla Oblongata-contains motor fibers from the brain to the spinal cord and sensory fibers from the spinal cord to the brain. CN nerves IX through XII connect to the brain in the medulla.
Cerebellum-largely responsible for coordination of movement. It also controls fine movement, balance, position (postural) sense or proprioception (awareness of where each part of the body is), and integration of sensory output.
Structures Protecting the Brain
Major Bones of Skull:
a. Frontal
b. Temporal
c. Parietal
d. Occipital
Meninges-provide protection, support, and nourishment to the brain and spinal cord.
Layers of Meninges: