Deep Cerebral Structures

Question 1

What is the corpus callosum?

Answer 1

A major commissural tracts connecting right and left hemispheres.

Major communication route for bilateral integration.

Question 2

What are 2 other major commissural tracts?

Answer 2

1. Anterior commissure
   - Connects R and L olfactory bulbs, amygdaloid nuclei and the medial and inferior temporal lobes.
2. Posterior commissure
   - Connects R and L occipital lobes

Question 3

What is the insular cortex/insula?

Answer 3

Beneath frontal and temporal lobes, folded deep within lateral sulcus.

One of the least understood brain regions:

• Integration of sensory input for visceral and autonomic function
• Somatic processing and pain
• olfactogustatory function as well as emotional regulation

Question 4

What is the limbic cortex? What are its major functions?

Answer 4

“Primitive brain”
Contains components of frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes.

Functions:

1. Emotions
2. Homeostasis
3. Olfaction (smell)
4. Memory
5. Drive

*Directly connects to insular cortex

Question 5

What makes up the diencephalon?

Answer 5

Thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus

Question 6

What is the thalamus?

Answer 6

• A relay station for sensory inputs.
• Afferent information processing center.
• Refines motor outputs.

Question 7

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 7

• Homeostasis hub
• Crucial autonomic system structure. Regulates body temperature, water balance, metabolism, emotional behavior, eating and drinking, circadian rhythm.
• Important limbic structure; helps with emotions

Question 8

What is the epithalamus?

Answer 8

• Houses pineal gland (melatonin production)
• Habenular nuclei = emotional response to smell
• 3rd ventricle choroid plexus found here

Question 9

What is the basal ganglia?

Answer 9

A group of structures involved in complex network that influence descending motor drive.

• Crucial role in movement initiation, execution, and refinement
• Also plays role in cognitive and emotional functions

Question 10

What is the cerebellum?

subcortical structure

Answer 10

“Little Brain”
- Composed of vermis, cerebellar hemispheres, and cerebellar peduncles

• Movement coordination, posture and balance, motor learning and control, muscle tone

Question 11

What is the brainstem?

subcortical structure

Answer 11

Midbrain, Pons, Medulla

• Contains important pathways traveling between brain, spinal cord, and cerebellum
• Houses critical nuclei essential for survival and effective cognitive and motor functioning.