Dodd, William W. - Train Your Brain

Question 1

What are the three basic substructures of the brain?

Answer 1

1) The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, is its most primitive part and is associated with autonomic functions.
2) The midbrain complex lies above the hindbrain, is more sophisticated, and is associated with our emotions and the formation of memories.
3) The left and right hemispheres of the forebrain form a cap over the midbrain. The forebrain is the most highly evolved component of the brain and is associated with awareness and thinking.

Note:
Carl Sagan adds,
“Each [of these three] brain[s] corresponds to a separate major evolutionary step. The three brains are distinguished neuro-anatomically and functionally, and contain strikingly different distributions of the neurochemicals dopamine and cholinesterase.”

Question 2

Describe the Hindbrain.

Answer 2

The hindbrain is considered the most primitive component of the brain. It is located at the top of the spinal cord, just inside the base of the skull. Its main components are:

• the medulla,
• the pons,
• the cerebellum.

Question 3

What are the main functions and main structures of the hindbrain?

Answer 3

1)
- filters sensory input
- controls autonomic systems

2)

• Medulla
• Cerebellum
• Pons

Question 4

What are the main functions and main structures of the midbrain complex?

Answer 4

1)

• generates emotions
• manages the formation of ew memories

2)

Question 5

What are the main functions and main structures of the forebrain?

Answer 5

1)

2)

Question 6

What are the two major Communication Systems of the body?

Answer 6

1) the electro-chemical nervous system
2) the bio-chemical endocrine system

These systems gather information about your body and your environment, process that information, and then initiate action that will increase your chances for survival.

Question 7

Describe the complex organic system of the brain.

Answer 7

The brain is a complex organic system for processing information fed to it by your senses.

The structures of the brain contain several billion neurons with a total weight of about 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds).

Those neurons require about twenty percent of the blood flow from your heart to keep them supplied with oxygen and nourishment.

The brain floats in a cerebrospinal fluid that helps to support its spongy structure and protect it from mechanical shocks.