Week 1: Lab 2

How many major regions are contained within the diencephalon?

3

T/f The pineal body secretes melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH).

False; The pineal body secretes the hormone melatonin which is secreted when light is not entering the eyes (typically at night).

The ventricles are all interconnected.

Narrow passageways connect the ventricles together, so that cerebrospinal fluid flows freely inside the ventricular system.

Which part of the diencephalon is connected to the pituitary gland?

Thalamus

Which region acts as a relay center for sensory messages ascending to the cerebrum?

Thalamus

How many regions make up the brain stem?

The brain stem consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Identify the passageway found in the spinal cord that is continuous with the ventricles.

The central canal is the canal found in the spinal cord that originates off of the fourth ventricle

Which passageway connects the third and fourth ventricles?

The cerebral aqueduct is the narrow passageway that connects the third and fourth ventricles. It can sometimes be observed on a midsagittal section.

What type of tissue makes up the cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex is composed of gray matter. Gray matter is primarily neuron cell bodies.

Which region of the brain is necessary for consciousness?

The cerebrum is involved in higher order functions such as consciousness, personality, and intellect.

Cerebrospinal fluid is produced within the ventricles.

The choroid plexus produces cerebrospinal fluid. It is found in each of the ventricles.

Which region contains the corpora quadrigemina?

The corpora quadrigemina are found on the posterior surface of the midbrain. They can be observed by looking into the transverse fissure.

What structure connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres?

The corpus callosum is a large fiber tract of axons connecting the right cerebral hemisphere to the left cerebral hemisphere.

Which region of the diencephalon contains the pineal body?

The epithalamus is a region posterior to the thalamus that contains the pineal body.

Which ventricle is located within the brain stem?

The fourth ventricle is located anterior to the cerebellum. It is continuous with the third ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct at its superior border and continuous with the central canal at its inferior border.

Which ventricles are divided by the septum pellucidum?

The lateral ventricles are cavities within the cerebrum. The right and left lateral ventricles are separated on midline by the septum pellucidum.

Which of the following ventricles is found under the corpus callosum?

The lateral ventricles lie side by side under the corpus callosum, separated by the septum pellucidum.

Which area of the brain stem is in contact with the spinal cord?

The medulla oblongata is the lowest region of the brain stem. It is continuous with the spinal cord at the foramen magnum of the skull.

What part of the corpora quadrigemina is clearly observed in a midsagittal section?

The superior colliculus is clearly observed in the transverse fissure on the back of the midbrain. It is involved with directing eye movement.

Which of the following areas form the central core of the brain?

The thalamus is the central region of the diencephalon and forms the central core of the brain. The thalamus is enclosed by the cerebrum

Where is the arbor vitae located?

The white matter in the cerebellum has a branching arrangement that resembles a tree. This structure is named for its appearance. The term arbor vitae means "tree of life."

T/F The inferior colliculi are part of the corpora quadrigemina.

True The corpora quadrigemina is a collection of 4 bumps on the posterior surface of the midbrain. It is composed of the 2 superior colliculi and the 2 inferior colliculi.

T/F The diencephalon is found in between the brain stem and the cerebrum.

True. The diencephalon forms the core of the brain, housed between the cerebrum and brainstem.

t/f The foramen magnum marks the border between the medulla oblongata and spinal cord.

True. The medulla oblongata is the lowest region of the brain stem. It is continuous with the spinal cord at the foramen magnum of