gray matter

Lateralization of the Brain: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Brain lateralization refers to the structural and functional differences between the hemispheres of the cerebrum. Functional differences crystallize a left-hemispheric dominance in language processes. In childhood brain lesions, the hemispheres compensate for the damage entirely. What is brain lateralization? Brain lateralization refers to the structural and functional differences between the hemispheres of the cerebrum. The … Lateralization of the Brain: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Gray Matter: Structure, Function & Diseases

Gray matter is an important component of the central nervous system and significantly determines its functions. The brain‘s intelligence performance is particularly associated with the gray matter. However, in addition to intelligence, it controls all perceptual processes and motor performance in humans. What is gray matter? The central nervous system is composed of both gray … Gray Matter: Structure, Function & Diseases

Insular Cortex: Structure, Function & Diseases

The insular cortex, also called the insula, lobus insularis or insular lobe, is one of the most mysterious parts of the human brain and is barely larger than a 2 euro piece. Evolutionarily, this part of the human brain is ancient and performs many different tasks, not all of which have been discovered yet. What … Insular Cortex: Structure, Function & Diseases

Putamen: Structure, Function & Diseases

The putamen or outer lenticular nucleus is a structure in the brain that belongs to the corpus striatum or nucleus lentiformis. Its function is to process neural signals relevant to the control of motor processes. Damage to the putamen may accordingly be accompanied by disturbances in voluntary movements. What is the putamen? The putamen is … Putamen: Structure, Function & Diseases

Conus Medullaris: Structure, Function & Diseases

The conus medullaris is the cone-shaped end of the spinal cord. Paraplegia at the conus medullaris is known as conus syndrome and results in various disorders due to the failure of the nerves supplying the spinal cord. The condition may also present as conus cauda syndrome. What is conus medullaris? The conus medullaris forms the … Conus Medullaris: Structure, Function & Diseases

White Matter: Structure, Function & Diseases

White matter can be understood as the counterpart of gray matter in the brain. It consists of conduction pathways (nerve fibers) whose white coloration comes from their medullary structure. The white matter is part of the central nervous system and is also called substantia alba or medulla or medullary substance. In the spinal cord, it … White Matter: Structure, Function & Diseases

Cerebral Blood Volume: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Cerebral blood volume is the volume of blood in the skull that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain and meninges. Cerebral blood volume is closely related to cerebral blood flow. Severe changes in blood volume can increase intracranial pressure or result in an inadequate supply of oxygen. What is cerebral blood volume? Cerebral blood … Cerebral Blood Volume: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Cerebral Blood Flow: Function, Role & Diseases

Cerebral blood flow forms the basis for supplying the nerve cells in the brain with oxygen as well as various nutrients. In a healthy person, it is estimated that about 15 percent of what is called cardiac output flows through the brain. The surrounding tissue is also supplied with blood, with a total of approximately … Cerebral Blood Flow: Function, Role & Diseases

Prosencephalon: Structure, Function & Diseases

The prosencephalon is part of the central nervous system and consists of the cerebrum (telencephalon) and diencephalon. In the three vesicle stage of early embryonic development, the prosencephalon represents one of the three primary cerebral vesicles. What is the prosencephalon? The prosencephalon (forebrain) includes two major anatomical subunits: the cerebrum (telencephalon) and the diencephalon (diencephalon). … Prosencephalon: Structure, Function & Diseases

Internal Capsule: Structure, Function & Diseases

The internal capsule is located in the human brain and consists of nerve fibers that connect deeper areas and the cerebral cortex. The numerous tracts that pass through the internal capsule include the fibrae frontopontinae, the tractus corticospinalis of the pyramidal tract, the fibrae temporopontinae, the tractus corticotectalis, and parts of the auditory and visual … Internal Capsule: Structure, Function & Diseases

Central Canal: Structure, Function & Diseases

The central canal, or canalis centralis, is a tubular structure that runs through the spinal cord and extends into the medulla oblongata. Errors in embryonic development can result in neural tube defects; one example is anencephaly. In addition, tumors can form from the ependyma of the central canal. What is the central canal? The central … Central Canal: Structure, Function & Diseases

Parahippocampal Gyrus: Structure, Function & Diseases

The parahippocampal gyrus is a turn of the cerebral cortex. It is part of the limbic system, contributes to memory processes, and plays an important role in visual recognition. What is the parahippocampal gyrus? The parahippocampal gyrus is located in close proximity to the hippocampus. This is a part of the archicortex, which in turn … Parahippocampal Gyrus: Structure, Function & Diseases