2.6: The Brain

Question 1

How Can the Brain Be Broken Down?

Answer 1

The Brainstem, Thalamus, & Cerebellum.

Question 2

Brainstem

Answer 2

Responsible for controlling many of the body’s basic functions.

Composed of three main parts: The Midbrain, The Pons, & The Medulla Oblongata.

Question 3

Midbrain

Answer 3

Responsible for managing some of the body’s reflexes, such as those involved in eye movement and the pupillary light reflex.

Also plays a role in the control of sleep, wakefulness, and alertness, critical functions of consciousness.

Question 4

Pons

Answer 4

Part of the brainstem that controls movement.

Question 5

Medulla Oblongata/Medulla

Answer 5

The lower part of the brainstem.

Responsible for regulating vital body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

Question 6

Thalamus

Answer 6

Sits on top of the brainstem and receives and sorts all sensory input (except smell) to other parts of the brain.

It plays a crucial role in the processing and relay of sensory information to the appropriate areas of the brain.

Question 7

Cerebellum

Answer 7

Processes sensory information, coordinates movement and balance, and enables implicit memories.

Question 8

Limbic System

Answer 8

A group of brain structures that are involved in emotions, drives, and long-term memory.

Structures in the limbic system include the Amygdala, Hippocampus, & Hypothalamus.

Question 9

Amygdala

Answer 9

Linked to emotion and emotional memories.

Question 10

Hippocampus

Answer 10

A small, seahorse-shaped structure located in the limbic system.

Known for the role it plays in learning and memory, particularly the consolidation of long-term memories.

Also linked to processes for spatial navigation.

Question 11

Hypothalamus

Answer 11

Deals with maintaining our body’s homeostasis and reward systems, including the “Four F’s”: Fighting, Fleeing, Feeding, and Mating.

Often referred to as the “control center” of the brain because it helps regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including body temperature, thirst, hunger, and fatigue.

With the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus is also responsible for controlling the body’s endocrine system, which produces the hormones that regulate mood and energy levels.

Question 12

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 12

Our ultimate control and processing center.

The cerebral cortex is divided into four main lobes: The Frontal Lobe, The Parietal Lobe, The Temporal Lobe, & The Occipital Lobe.

Question 13

Frontal Lobe

Answer 13

Deals with problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and judgment.

Question 14

Parietal Lobe

Answer 14

Responsible for processing sensory information.

Receives input about touch, temperature, pain, and body position.

Question 15

Temporal Lobe

Answer 15

Processes auditory information and is involved in memory formation.

Question 16

Occipital Lobe

Answer 16

Where visual information is handled.

Question 17

Association Areas

Answer 17

Control higher mental functions, such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.

Question 18

Corpus Callosum

Answer 18

A bundle of nerve fibers that bridge communication.

It allows the two hemispheres to exchange information and coordinate their activities.

Question 19

Split Brain

Answer 19

For patients with severe epileptic seizures, the corpus callosum may be severed to reduce neural feedback.

In a split-brain patient, both hemispheres operate independently from one another.

Question 20

Reticular Formation

Answer 20

Nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus.

Plays a part in controlling arousal and consciousness.

Question 21

Basil Ganglia

Answer 21

Similar to the cerebellum—controls movement, balance, implicit memory, and a little bit of emotion.

Question 22

Glial Cells

Answer 22

Support, nourish, and protect our neurons; help with learning and thinking.

Question 23

Wernicke’s Area

Answer 23

Deals with understanding language.

Question 24

Broca’s Area

Answer 24

Deals with the production of language and speaking.

Question 25

Motor Cortex

Answer 25

Controls voluntary movements, such as raising your hand.

Question 26

Somatosensory Cortex

Answer 26

Processes body touch and movement.

Question 27

Visual Cortex

Answer 27

Processes visual information.