Term
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Definition
| it connects the spinal cord with the brain via the diencephalon. It also serves as a bridge between the cerebellum and all other CNS structures, including the spinal cord, the thalamus, the basal ganglia, and the cerebrum. It consists of longitudinal fiber tracts, cranial nerve nuclei, and the reticular formation. |
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Term
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Definition
| also called the mesencephalon, is a narrow structure that lies superior to the pons and inferior to the diencephalon. It controls many motor and sensory functions, including postural reflexes, visual reflexes, eye movements, and coordination of vestibular-generated eye and head movements. |
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Term
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Definition
| Also called metencephalon and is located directly inferior to the midbrain. Transmits information relative to movement from the cerebral hemispheres to the cerebellum. It is involved with hearing and balance. |
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Term
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Definition
| Also called myencephalon and located inferior to the midbrain and the pons. It includes several centers that control vital, automatic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure. |
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Term
| Reticular Activating System |
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Definition
| A structure within the midbrain, brainstem, and upper portion of the spinal cord. The primary mechanism is attention and consciousness. It is also important in controlling sleep-wake cycles. It plays a critical role in maintaining such states of consciousness as sleep, drowsiness, alertness, or excitement. |
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Term
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Definition
| Lies above the midbrain and between the brainstem and the cerebral hemispheres. It contains the thalamus and hypothalamus. |
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Term
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Definition
| largest structure in the diencephalon. It regulates the sensory information that flows into the brain and relays sensory impulses to various portions of the cerebral cortex. It is critical for maintenance of consciousness and alertness. |
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Term
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Definition
| lies inferior to the thalamus and helps integrate the actions of the ANS. It controls emotions. |
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