1. Brain Notes II

2. DIENCEPHALON Relay station for sensory impulses to cerebral cortex
Thalamus
Relay station for sensory impulses to cerebral cortex
Plays a role in emotions, memory, awareness and cognition

3. Controls regulation eating & drinking Controls body temperature
Hypothalamus – “master gland”
Controls regulation eating & drinking
Controls body temperature
Regulation of consciousness, emotional and behavior, diurnal (circardian) rhythms – synchronizes day-night cycle

4. Limbic System
Emotional aspects of behavior & aids in memory

6. BRAIN STEM Connects spinal cord to diencephalon Parts of Midbrain
Cerebral peduncles
Corpora quadrigemina
Reflex center for movement in response to sound & visual stimuli

7. Pons
Connects spinal cord with brain & links parts of brain with one another by way of tracts (nerve fibers within the CNS)
Aid in control of breathing

8. Medulla Oblongata
Regulates:
Cardiac center – heart rate
Vasomotor center – constricts blood vessels
Respiratory center – rate and depth of breathing

9. Other centers coordinate swallowing, vomiting, coughing, sneezing & hiccuping.

10. Reticular Formation
Responsible for maintaining consciousness & awakening from sleep

12. CEREBELLUM Vermis –”worm”
White matter tracts are called “arbor vitae” tree of life.
Cerebellar peduncles – connect cerebellum to other parts of brain

13. Coordination, balance, and posture
Damage would show loss of muscle tone and inaccurate movements

15. PROTECTIONS & COVERINGS
The CNS is protected by:
Bone – cranium and vertebral column
Meninges – 3 connective tissue layers
Dura mater – most outer
Arachnoid mater – “spiderweb” middle
Pia mater – inner

16. MENINGES
Dura mater
Outermost layer
Dense, irregular C.T. with many blood vessels and nerves
Attached to periosteum
Meningitis – inflammation of meninges

17. Arachnoid mater
Spider web-like collagen and elastic fiber
Thin membrane that lacks blood vessels
Subdural space – fluid filled area between dura and subarachnoid maters

18. Pia mater
Innermost, nearly transparent layer; has many nerves & blood vessels
Follows contours of brain & spinal cord
Subarachnoid space – area between arachnoid & pia mater; filled with cerebrospinal fluid