Physiology 3120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Postcentral Gyrus, Axon Hillock, Excitatory Synapse

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 3120
• Professor: Tom Stavraky

Document Summary

Brain stem of spinal cord has three structures: Above the brain stem is the hypothalamus called hypothalamus as it lies beneath the thalamus. Big structure is called the cerebral hemisphere = there are two. Within the hemispheres are the thalamus and at the base is the basal ganglia. Cerebral hemisphere has cerebral cortex which is on the outside of it and has folds to increase. The hill is called the gyrus and the valley is called the sulcus. The hill behind the central sulcus is called the postcentral gyrus and the hill in front is the precentral gyrus. The front part is called rostral and the back is called the caudal. Cerebellum contributes to skilled movement and is divided into cerebellar cortex and cerebellar deep nuclei. Two types of cells in brain: glial cells and neurons. Glial cells are helper cells as they help the neurons stay alive and appropriate function.