• Includes the cerebrum (cortex, white matter, basal nuclei)
• Most highly evolved part
• Functions: Anylzes sensory data, performs memory functions, learns new information, forms throughs, and makes decisions.

• Includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and retina.
• Functions:
• Thalamus - Knowledge and awareness. Integrates knowledge, emotion, and memory
• Hypotalamus - regulates endocrine homeostasis of the body. Part of the Autonomic Nervous System

Includes the pons of the brain stem & the cerebellum

• Function:
• Pons - Where the sensory and motor tracks converge.
• Cerebellum - moderates intention, coordination, and some memory

gray matter - neuronal cell bodies

white matter - myelinated axons

Includes the brain stem, medulla oblongata.

Function of the brainstem: most primitive brain structure, controls breathing

• Cushions the brain and gives immunological protection.
• Allows for intracranial pressure modulation.
• Has a unique chemistry and osmolarity
• Produced in choroid plexus.
• Brain makes 500-600 mL/day but can only hold about 150 mL
• The CSF turns over about 4 times per day.

• Contains cerebrospinal fluids
• Consists of:
• two C-shaped alteral ventricles in the cerebral hemispheres
• A third ventricle in the diencephalon.
• A fourth ventricle in the hindbrain, dorsal to the pons, develops from the lumen of the neural tube.
• Lined by ependymal cells

• Lines the lumen (apical surface) of blood vessels

Types fo Barriers:

• Endothelial cells lining all brain blood vessels/capillaries, are connected by tight junctions.
• In the endothelial cells of the CNS vessels these tight junctions are unique. The endothelial cells are more tightly anchored to one another via transmembrane proteins.
• Unique cells named astrocytes, also surround the endothelial cells of th ecapillaries.
• This barrier can restict diffusion of small molecules (bacteria and ions) but permits diffusion of key substances such as CO₂ and O₂.

• Modified ependymal cells and capillaries comprise the choroid plexus.
• The choroid plexus has a blood supply 10X that of the cerebral cortex, very vascularized.
• Present in nearly all areas of the ventricular system (except for cerebral aqueduct and the occipital and frontal horns fo the lateral ventricles)
• Produces Cerebral Spinal fluid.

• The ependyma is the lining of the brain ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord .
• Comprised of simple cuboidal cells that are often ciliated and contain microvilli.
• Ependymal cells control fluid release across the epithelium.

• Caused by CSF build up in the ventricles of the brain (internal hydrocephallus) or in the subarchnoid space (external hydrocephalus) from blockage, overproduction of CSF, or a complication of a head injury.
• Can lead to increased intracranial pressure and convulsion/mental disability and even death.
• Symptoms will depend on one's age, the cause of the blockage, and how much brain tissue is damaged by swelling.
• Pediatric hydrocephalus is more common than Down Syndrome.

 A condition in which CSF builds up in the ventracles of the brain (internal hydrocephalus) or in the subarchanoid space (external hydrocephalus) from blockage, overproduction of CSF, or complications from a head injury.

Can lead to increased intraranial pressure, convulsion/mental disability, and death

Contains gray & white matter.

Responsible for involuntary coordination and control of ongoing body movements; maintains balance, equilibrium, and posture.

If damaged causes ataxia.