Marieb, Human Anatomy & Physiology Across 1. Shallow valleys of the brain. 5. The CNS’s way to map its neurons. 7. This could be considered the stern of the head. 9. These are the Mickey Mouse ears of the brain. 10. What Einstein used more of than most people. 11. Considered twisters in the brain. 12. It is a lot easier than rhombencephalon. 13. Lobe number 5 of the cerebral hemisphere. 14. Really deep valleys. Down 2. The evolutionary process of packing more brain cells into the skull. 3. Not much thinking happens in this part of the brain – just reflexes. 4. The easy name for prosencephalon. 6. Midbrain by any other name. 8. These are filled with fluid.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct answers to Crossword Puzzle 12.1 based on Marieb, Human Anatomy & Physiology:
Across
- Sulci – Shallow valleys of the brain
- Homunculus – The CNS’s way to map its neurons
- Occiput – This could be considered the stern of the head
- Thalami – These are the Mickey Mouse ears of the brain
- Neurons – What Einstein used more of than most people
- Gyri – Considered twisters in the brain
- Hindbrain – It is a lot easier than rhombencephalon
- Insula – Lobe number 5 of the cerebral hemisphere
- Fissures – Really deep valleys
Down
- Encephalization – The evolutionary process of packing more brain cells into the skull
- Brainstem – Not much thinking happens in this part of the brain – just reflexes
- Forebrain – The easy name for prosencephalon
- Mesencephalon – Midbrain by any other name
- Ventricles – These are filled with fluid
Explanation
This crossword puzzle explores important anatomical and physiological features of the human brain, offering insight into both its structure and function.
The sulci and gyri refer to the folds and ridges that increase the brain’s surface area, allowing for more neurons and enhanced cognitive ability. While sulci are the shallow grooves, fissures are deeper divisions separating brain regions.
The homunculus represents a cortical map of the body within the brain, showing how different areas of the cortex correspond to body parts. The insula, sometimes called the “fifth lobe,” is involved in consciousness and emotion.
Terms like occiput (the back of the head) and thalamus (paired structures that resemble Mickey Mouse ears in brain slices) highlight spatial and structural identifiers within neuroanatomy. Neurons, the basic units of brain communication, are often cited in discussions about cognitive abilities; Einstein’s brain showed a high density of glial cells supporting neuronal activity.
Developmentally, the forebrain, midbrain (or mesencephalon), and hindbrain (formerly the rhombencephalon) reflect embryological regions that evolve into major brain divisions. Encephalization describes the evolutionary trend toward larger brain size relative to body size in humans.
The brainstem controls vital functions and reflexes, while the ventricles are fluid-filled cavities that cushion and protect the brain through the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
Together, these terms offer a foundational overview of brain anatomy, function, and evolutionary development, crucial for anyone studying human physiology.
