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1. Topic

Structure and Function

Deep within the brain, wondrous things happen

1. Glossary

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is an important part of the brain, located at the back of the brain stem and below the occipital lobe. It consists of two cerebellar hemispheres covered by the cerebellar cortex and plays an important role in motor processes, among other things. It develops from the rhombencephalon. 

1. Glossary

Medial nuclei

The medial thalamic nuclei, especially the mediodorsal nucleus, are located in the medial thalamus and are closely connected to the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. They are primarily responsible for higher cognitive functions such as planning, attention, and working memory, but are also involved in processing emotions and motivation. In addition, they integrate complex information from different areas of the brain. 

1. Glossary

Hypercomplex cell

A nerve cell in the primary visual cortex that responds most strongly to short, moving lines or corners in its receptive field. It exhibits end-stopping, meaning that the response strength decreases when the stimulus becomes longer than optimal. Hypercomplex cells are sensitive to the orientation and direction of movement of the stimulus and contribute to the perception of edges, corners, and curves.

1. Glossary

Posterior ventral nucleus

A nucleus of the dorsal thalamus that serves as the main somatosensory thalamic nucleus. The VPL receives somatosensory afferents from the body via the spinal cord (pressure, touch, vibration, proprioception, pain, temperature), while the VPM receives afferents from the head region via the trigeminal nerve. It transmits this information to the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and thus plays a central role in the awareness of somatosensory stimuli, including pain.

1. Glossary

Lewy body dementia

A neurodegenerative disease that resembles Alzheimer's disease, but also Parkinson's disease in its symptoms. The Lewy bodies that give the disease its name are caused by protein deposits in the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and brain stem, which impair the function of the corresponding neurons. In addition to cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia often causes hallucinations or depression, as well as changes in mobility similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease.

1. Glossary

Pyramidal neurons

Pyramidal neurons are the most common neurons in the cerebral cortex. They are particularly large, and their "three-pointed" cell body resembles a cone or pyramid when viewed in cross-section.

1. Glossary

Cingulate gyrus

The cingulate gyrus is an important part of the limbic system in the cerebrum. This strip of cortex runs medially in the cerebrum, directly above the corpus callosum. Among other things, it is involved in emotions and memory. Through its connections to limbic and autonomic centers, it can also influence autonomic responses (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure). The anterior (front) region in particular is also associated with attention, motivation, error monitoring, and emotion regulation.

1. Basics
2. Anatomy

The Vermis

The worm in our heads, inlcuding a tongue, pyramid, and more. But it's a good one, helping us walk.

01.10.2025

1. Glossary

Neocortex

The neocortex is the phylogenetically youngest part of the cerebral cortex. Since it is structured relatively uniformly in six layers, it is also referred to as the isocortex.