13.7 Structure and Function of the Brain Flashcards
What are the 5 main structures of the brain?
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Medulla Oblongata, Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland
What is the structure and function of the cerebrum?
-Controls voluntary actions (eg. learning, memory, personality, conscious thought)
-Largest part of the brain, divided into two halves called cerebral hemispheres
-Thin outer layer called the cerebral cortex which is high folded, to increase surface area for complex activity
What is the function of the cerebellum?
-Controls unconscious functions (eg. posture, balance, non-voluntary movement, muscle coordination)
What is the structure and function of the medulla oblongata?
-At the base of the brain, at the top of the spinal cord
-Automatic control
-Controls heart rate and breathing rate (and also swallowing and coughing)
What is the structure and function of the pituitary gland?
-Found beneath the hypothalamus, size of a pea
-Controlled by the hypothalamus
-Stores and releases hormones, stimulates other glands to release their hormones
What is the structure and function of the hypothalamus?
-Found just beneath the middle part of the brain
-Has two centres one for the parasympathetic and one for the sympathetic nervous system
-Regulatory centre for temperature and water balance
-Produces hormones that control the pituitary gland
-Control complex patterns of behaviour such as feeding, sleeping, agression
-Monitor composition of blood plasma
What are the two sections the pituitary gland is divided into?
-Anterior section (front) and Posterior section (back)
What is the purpose of the anterior section of the pituitary gland?
Produces six hormones which are involved in reproduction and growth hormones
What is the purpose of the posterior section of the pituitary gland?
Stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus such as ADH
Label the main structures of the brain
Label the 4 lobes in the cerebrum
