week 16

• What are the primary functions of the cerebrum's lobes?


  • Frontal Lobe: Cognition, emotions, voluntary movement.
  • Parietal Lobe: Sensory integration, movement.
  • Temporal Lobe: Memory, hearing, language, visual processing.
  • Occipital Lobe: Vision processing (V1, V2, V3 areas).
• What is the corpus callosum, and why is it important?


  The corpus callosum is a bundle of white matter connecting the left and right brain hemispheres, enabling communication between them. It plays a role in cognitive traits and conditions like autism.
• Describe the visual pathway.


  The visual pathway extends from the retina to the primary visual cortex (V1) in the occipital lobe and includes synaptic relay at the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN).
• What are the main parts and functions of the brainstem?


  The brainstem, comprising the midbrain, pons, and medulla, is vital for basic survival functions like breathing and neural communication with the spinal cord.
• What role does the cerebellum play?


  The cerebellum, located in the hindbrain, coordinates posture, balance, and motor control.
• What is the limbic system, and what functions does it support?


  The limbic system manages emotions, behaviour, learning, long-term memory, and olfaction (sense of smell).
• What is the function of ventricles in the brain?


  Ventricles are fluid-filled spaces in the brain containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides nutrients, cushioning, and circulates within the brain and spinal cord.
• What are the meninges, and what is their purpose?


  The meninges are three protective layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that surround the brain and spinal cord, helping to prevent toxins from entering the brain.
• How is the brain supplied with blood?

  Blood is supplied through the Circle of Willis, where the internal carotid and basilar arteries connect, distributing oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
• What are Broca's and Wernicke's areas, and why are they important?


  Broca's area (areas 44 & 45) is crucial for speech production, while Wernicke's area (area 22) is involved in language comprehension. Both were identified through brain injury studies and imaging.
• What does the "homunculus" represent?


  The homunculus visually represents the proportion of brain area dedicated to different sensory or motor functions