Chapter 4: The Brain

Question 1

Name the structures of the hindbrain.

Answer 1

Cerebellum
Pons
Medulla

Question 2

What is the hindbrain and its main functions?

Answer 2

Also called brain stem.
Supports bodily functions and is the link between spinal cord and brain.
- Movement
- Breathing rate
- Heart rate
- Digestion

Question 3

What is the medulla?

Answer 3

Continuation of the spine.
It regulates organs vital for life.
- Breathing
- Heart beat and blood pressure
- Vomiting, salivating, coughing, sneezing
- Digestion
Communicates with Autonomic Nervous System and directs bodily systems to change for needs of body.
Damage to the medulla can be fatal, as someone may need to go on life support machine.

Question 4

What is the pons?

Answer 4

Sits above medulla, involved in:
- sleep and waking
- control breathing
- coordination of some muscle movements
Acts as relay station (relays messages between parts of brain).

Question 5

What is the cerebellum?

Answer 5

A walnut shaped area that receives information from pons (at rear of brain stem).
It helps to control voluntary movement and balance. Also believed to play role in motor learning (how to shoot goal in basketball). Information is received from spinal cord. Affected by alcohol consumption.

Question 6

What is the midbrain, and its main functions?

Answer 6

Sits above hindbrain and below forebrain. It is responsible for regulation of sleep, motor movement, and arousal.

Question 7

What is the reticular formation?

Answer 7

Mainly in midbrain, but is a network of neurons that is part of midbrain and hindbrain, and connects hindbrain and forebrain. Controls arousal and sleep-wake cycle.
Also helps us focus our attention and alertness, and controls physiological arousal.

Question 8

What is the forebrain, and its main functions?

Answer 8

Largest and most prominent part of brain. Neural pathways connect with structures in mid and hind brain. Forebrain regulates complex cognitive processes:
- Thinking
- Learning
- Memory
- Perception
- Aspects of emotion and personality
Includes cerebrum, hypothalamus, and thalamus.

Question 9

What is the cerebrum?

Answer 9

Consists of outer surface called cerebral cortex and masses of neural tissue where neurons form connections and receive and process incoming and outgoing information. They are responsible for almost everything we consciously think, feel and do.

Question 10

What is the cerebrum made of?

Answer 10

Two hemispheres:
- almost symmetrical and joined by the corpus callosum
- each has a central fissure that runs from the top of each hemisphere and down the sides, separating the front (anterior) from the rear (posterior) of the cerebral cortex.

Question 11

What is the corpus callosum?

Answer 11

A set of neural fibres that bridge the gap between the 2 hemispheres, allowing them to communicate and work together.

Question 12

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 12

Tiny structure that controls body temp, sleep-wake cycle, sex drive, thirst and hunger needs. Nerves in this structure connect with endocrine system. It directs the pituitary gland to release hormones (release of cortisol to cope in stress, and ADH - homeostasis)

Question 13

What is the thalamus?

Answer 13

Located beneath cerebral cortex, deep within the hemispheres. It is divided into two egg-shaped parts that sit side by side, with one part in each hemisphere. It is the communication centre and it receives information from the eyes, ears, skin and other sensory organs (not nose). It regulates the overall activity of the cortex.

Question 14

Two important roles of the thalamus?

Answer 14

1. Receives incoming information from our senses (except smell) and relays this information to relevant parts of the cortex where it can be processed into relevant information.
2. Determines which of the incoming sensory information is most important for us to pay attention to.