Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Anatomic and Physiologic Overview of The Brain
Anatomic and Physiologic Overview of The Brain
To better understand cerebral palsy, it helps to understand the anatomy of the brain.
The scalp
The skull
The dura
o A tough 3-layer sheath that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
o Layers include the dura mater (strongest layer), arachnoid mater (middle layer),
and pia mater (closest to the brain)
The cerebrum:
o Made up of two cerebral hemispheres that are connected in the middle
o It is the largest part of the brain
o Each area of the cerebrum performs an important function, such as language or
movement
o Higher thought (cognition) comes from the frontal cortex (front portion of the
cerebrum)
o Outside of the cerebrum are blood vessels
o There are fluid-filled cavities and channels inside the brain
The cerebellum:
o Located in the lower, back part of the skul
o Controls movement and coordination
The brainstem and pituitary gland:
o Responsible for involuntary functions such as breathing, body temperature, and
blood pressure regulation
o Pituitary gland is the "master gland" that controls other endocrine glands in the
body, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands
The cranial nerves:
o Twelve large nerves exit the bottom of the brain to supply function to the senses
such as hearing, vision, and taste
The cerebral blood vessels:
o A complicated system that supplies oxygenated blood and nutrients to the brain
The blood supply to the brain is divided into two main parts:
Functions:
The extension of the central nervous system is through the medulla oblongata, which continues
as the spinal cord, by exiting the skull through the foramen magnum and continuing in the spinal
column. This is where the spinal cord gives out nerves which form the peripheral nervous
system. So, I hope this comprehensive article on diagram of the brain and its functions has
helped you become a mini neurologist in your own right!