Brain Regions and CNS Anatomy - Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which brain structure relays nearly all sensory information except smell to the cerebral cortex?

   The thalamus.

2. Which brain structure regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst and controls the pituitary gland?

   The hypothalamus, part of the diencephalon.

3. Where is the primary somatosensory cortex?

   In the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe.

4. Where is the primary motor cortex?

   In the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe.

5. In which lobe is the primary visual cortex?

   The occipital lobe.

6. Which cellular arrangement mainly forms the blood-brain barrier?

   Tight junctions between brain capillary endothelial cells, supported by astrocyte end-feet.

7. Which structure produces most cerebrospinal fluid, and where is it found?

   The choroid plexus, in the ventricles of the brain.

8. What is the main function of Broca's area?

   Motor planning of speech (speech production). It lies in the inferior frontal gyrus, usually of the left hemisphere.

9. Which white matter structure connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres?

   The corpus callosum, the largest commissure in the brain.

10. What is the main function of the cerebellum?

    Coordinating movement, balance, and posture, and supporting motor learning.

11. What are the three primary brain vesicles of the embryo?

    The prosencephalon (forebrain), mesencephalon (midbrain), and rhombencephalon (hindbrain).

12. Which brainstem region contains the vital centers that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rhythm?

    The medulla oblongata.

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