Saint Mary’s University

SCHOOL OF HEALTH and NATURAL SCIENCE

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: THE BRAIN

* Major regions or the Brain are: Brainstem, Cerebellum, Diencephalon, and Cerebrum

I. BRAINSTEM
-Connects the spinal cord to the remainder of the brain.
Fxs: Control heart rate, blood pressure and breathing

Consists of:
a. Medulla Oblongata – most inferior portion of the brainstem and is continuous with the spinal
cord
Fxs: regulation of heart rate and blood vessel diameter, breathing, swallowing, vomiting,
coughing, sneezing, balance and coordination.

- On the anterior surface, two prominent enlargements called pyramids extend the
length of the medulla oblongata. The pyramids consists of descending nerve tracts,
which transmit action potentials from the brain to motor neurons of the spinal cord and
are involved in the conscious control of skeletal muscles.
 Saint Mary’s University
SCHOOL OF HEALTH and NATURAL SCIENCE
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

b. Pons – functional bridge between the cerebrum and cerebellum

- Other nuclei in the pons control functions such as chewing and salivation.
c. Midbrain – Smallest region of the brainstem
- contains FOUR MOUNDS called COLLICULI (2 inferior colliculi are major relay
centers for auditory pathways in the CNS; 2 superior colliculi are involved in visual
reflexes and receive touch and auditory input)
- Contains nuclei involved in coordinating eye movements and controlling pupil
diameter and lens shape
- Contains a black nuclear mass called SUBSTANTIA NIGRA, a basal nuclei,
involved in regulating general body movements.

*RETICULAR FORMATION – group of nuclei scattered throughout the brainstem which

plays important regulatory functions especially cyclical motor functions like respiration,
walking, chewing.
- The reticular formation is a major component of the RETICULAR ACTIVATING
SYSTEM, which plays an important role in arousing and maintaining consciousness and
in the regulating of sleep-wake cycle.
- General anesthetics suppress the reticular activating system
- Damage to cells can result in coma

II. CEREBELLUM
- Attached to the brainstem by several large connections called CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLES
which provides communication between cerebellum and other parts of the CNS

III. DIENCEPHALON
- In between brainstem and cerebrum
Main components:

a. THALAMUS – Largest part of the diencephalon

- Consists of a cluster of nuclei shaped like “yo-yo” with two large, lateral parts
connected in the center by a small INTERTHALAMIC ADHESION.
- Influences mood and registers an unlocalized, uncomfortable perception of pain.
b. EPITHALAMUS – small area superior and posterior to the thalamus
- Consists of few small nuclei involved in the emotional and visceral response to odors
and the pineal gland.
* PINEAL GLAND – influence the onset of puberty
c. HYPOTHALAMUS – most inferior part of the diencephalon
- Maintaining homeostasis
- Controls body temperature, hunger and thirst
- Sensations such as sexual pleasure, rage, fear, and relaxation after a meal are related
to hypothalamic functions
 Saint Mary’s University
SCHOOL OF HEALTH and NATURAL SCIENCE
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

- Emotional responses such as “nervous perspiration” in response to stress or hunger as

a result of depression.
- INFUNDIBULUM, a funnel-shaped stalk extends from the floor of the hypothalamus to
the pituitary gland
- MAMMILLARY BODIES are externally visible swellings on the posterior portion of the
hypothalamus and are involved in emotional responses to odors and in memory

IV. CEREBRUM
- Largest part of the brain
- Divided into left and right hemisphere by a LONGITUDINAL FISSURE
- The most conspicuous features on the surface of each hemisphere are numerous folds
called GYRI, which greatly increase the surface area of the cortex; intervening grooves
called SULCI.
- Each hemisphere is divided into lobes:
a. FRONTAL LOBE – control voluntary motor functions, motivation, aggression, mood
and olfactory reception
b. PARIETAL LOBE – principal center for receiving and consciously perceiving most
sensory information such as touch, pain, temperature, and balance
*the frontal and parietal lobes are separated by the CENTRAL SULCUS
c. OCCIPOTAL LOBE – receiving and perceiving visual input
d. TEMPORAL LOBE – involved in olfactory and auditory sensations and plays an
important role in memory
- its anterior and inferior portions called the “PSYCHIC CORTEX” are associated in
abstract thought and judgement
*most temporal lobe is separated from the rest of the cerebrum by the LATERAL
FISSURE, and deep within the fissure is the INSULA, often referred to as the FIFTH LOBE.