The Nervous System:
The Brain and Cranial Nerves

An Introduction to the
Organization Brain

The Ventricles of the Brain

The Cranial Meninges

 

The Cerebrospinal Fluid
and Choroid Plexus

The Cerebrum

Functions of the Cerebrum

Motor and Sensory Areas
of the Cerebral Cortex

Central White Matter of the Brain

Basal Nuclei

Caudate & Lentiform nuclei – Subconscious motor control of skeletal muscles

Claustrum – Subconscious processing of visual information

Amygdaloid body – Integration center of limbic system

Emotional brain, memory and linking unconscious to conscious

The Limbic System

The Diencephalon: Thalamus & Hypothalamus

Thalamus

Sensory relay center

Part of limbic system, anterior side

 

Hypothalamus

Autonomic control

Temperature

Hunger & thirst

Eating: mamillary body

Connects to pituitary gland

Circadian rhythm

Heart rate & blood pressure: medulla oblongata

The Diencephalon: Hypothalamus

Mesencephalon - midbrain

Relay center for projection fibers of the brain

Corpora quadrigemina

Superior colliculi: Visual relay center

Inferior colliculi: Auditory relay center

 

Pons

Cranial nerves 5-8

Sensory and motor nerves of the head

Modify breathing rates set in Medulla

Connects Cerebellum to rest of brain


Cerebellum

Cerebellar Peduncles

Superior

Middle

Inferior

Coordinates learned movements

Posture

Balance & Equilibrium

Cortex – purkinje cell

Folia

White matter – Arbor vitae

The Cerebellum

 

Medulla Oblongata

Cardiovascular & Respiratory centers

Cranial nerves 8 – 12

Neck, back and Ventral cavity

Relay station

Autonomic reflex centers

Tracts to the hypothalamus


Cranial Nerves

I Olfactory

Sensory only: smell

II Optic

Sensory only: sight

Optic Chiasma

III Oculomotor

Motor: eye movements

IV Trochlear

Motor: superior oblique

Cranial Nerves

IV Trigeminal

Mixed: three branches

Ophthalmic: sensory - forehead and eyelids

Maxillary: sensory - Cheek and nose

Mandibular: muscles of mastication

VI Abducens

Motor: Lateral rectus muscle

VII Facial

Mixed

Motor: Facial muscles, salivary and mucous glands

Sensory: Taste & facial muscles

Cranial Nerves

VIII Vestibulocochlear

Sensory: Hearing & Balance

IX Glossopharyngeal

Mixed

Sensory: Taste and throat

Motor: swallowing

X Vagus

Mixed

Throat, Thoracic and Abdominal cavities

Cranial Nerves

XI Accessory nerve

Motor

Sternocleidomastoid & Trapezius

XII Hypoglossal

Motor

Tongue movements

The Origins of the Cranial Nerves

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