Brain Structure and Function

Question 1

cerebrum

Answer 1

a. cerebral hemispheres
b. ventricles
c. meninges
d. cerebrospinal fluid
e. functional regions
f. brain lateralization

Question 2

corpus callosum

Answer 2

It connects the left and right sides of the brain allowing for communication between both hemispheres. The corpus callosum transfers motor, sensory, and cognitive information between the brain hemispheres.

Function:
The corpus callosum is involved in several functions of the body including:

Communication Between Brain Hemispheres
Eye Movement
Maintaining the Balance of Arousal and Attention
Tactile Localization

Question 3

cerebellum

Answer 3

Controls movement coordination

Maintains balance and equilibrium

Question 4

medulla oblongata

Answer 4

Control of Autonomic Functions
Relay of Nerve Signals Between the Brain and Spinal Cord
Coordination of Body Movements

Question 5

thalamus

Answer 5

Motor Control
Receives Auditory, Somatosensory and Visual Sensory Signals
Relays Sensory Signals to the Cerebral Cortex
Controls Sleep and Awake States

Question 6

hypothalamus

Answer 6

Autonomic Function Control
    Endocrine Function Control
    Homeostasis
    Motor Function Control
    Food and Water Intake Regulation
    Sleep-Wake Cycle Regulation

Question 7

limbic system

Answer 7

Limbic system structures are involved in many of our emotions and motivations, particularly those that are related to survival. Such emotions include fear, anger, and emotions related to sexual behavior. The limbic system is also involved in feelings of pleasure that are related to our survival, such as those experienced from eating and sex.

Certain structures of the limbic system are involved in memory as well. Two large limbic system structures, the amygdala and hippocampus play important roles in memory. The amygdala is responsible for determining what memories are stored and where the memories are stored in the brain. It is thought that this determination is based on how huge an emotional response an event invokes. The hippocampus sends memories out to the appropriate part of the cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrieves them when necessary. Damage to this area of the brain may result in an inability to form new memories.

Question 8

reticular activating system

Answer 8

is a set of connected nuclei in the brains of vertebrates that is responsible for regulating arousal and sleep-wake transitions. As its name implies, its most influential component is the reticular formation.