Gross Anatomy of the Brain and Cranial Nerves Summary

Gross Anatomy of the Brain and Cranial Nerves
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1)Briefly identify and describe the structure and function of the following structures associated with the human brain:External structure (lobes and fissures) of the cerebral hemispheres
The frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes cover the surface of the brain. “The cerebral hemispheres are the most superior portion of the brain” (Marieb & Smith, 2016). “The cerebral hemispheres are divided by a single deep fissure, the longitudinal fissure. The central sulcus divides the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe, and the lateral sulcus separates the temporal lobe from the parietal lobe” (Marieb & Smith, 2016).
Ventral implies the front or anterior and the ventral aspect. Two structures protrude from the hypothalamus’ ventral aspect, such as the infundibulum (stalk of the pituitary gland) and the mammillary body, while the cerebral pedunclesare on the ventral aspect of the midbrain (Marieb & Smith, 2016). The brain stem’s ventral aspect has branches to the cerebellum, pons, and inner ear (Marieb & Smith, 2016).
The meninges are filled with the cerebrospinal fluid and extend beyond the spinal cord, facilitating removing the fluid without damaging the spinal cord (Marieb & Smith, 2016). The cranial meninges consist of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater (Marieb & Smith, 2016). The meninges surround the brain and spinal cord and protect the central nervous system.
Cranial nerves
(1) Olfactory nerve

Transmitting nervous information about what is detected through the sense of smell and is an afferent fiber.

(II) Optic nerve

Transmitting the visual information collected from the eye to the brain

(III) Oculomotor nerve

The nerve commands most of the muscles involved in eye movement, causing the pupil to dilate or contract

(IV) Trochlear nerve

The nerve deals with the movement of the eyes. Specifically, it signals the superior oblique muscle of the eye

(V) Trigeminal nerve

As a motor nerve, it commands the muscles responsible for chewing movements. There are sensations of pain, touch, and temperature are tested with a safety pin and hot and cold objects

(VI) Abducens nerve

Carries somatic motor fibers to the lateral rectus muscle that moves the eyeball.

(VII) Facial nerve

The nerve is responsible both for sending orders to the muscles of the face dedicated to creating facial expressions and
parasympathetic motor fibers to lacrimal and salivary glands; carries sensory fibers from taste receptors of the anterior portion of the tongue.

(VIII) Vestibulocochlear

Transmits impulses associated with a sense of equilibrium. It collects information from the auditory area.

(IX) Glossopharyngeal

somatic motor fibers serve pharyngeal muscles a...