Functions of the Brain

Question 1

Cerebrum

Answer 1

It’s the conscious control centre of the voluntary nervous system. It controls conscious thoughts, reasoning, problem solving and emotional response. The sensory areas receive impulses from receptors. The association areas interpret information from the sensory areas based on memory of past experiences. Motor areas send out impulses to voluntary muscles to bring about movement.

Question 2

Cerebellum

Answer 2

Carries out unconscious control of learned sequences of muscle contraction. Receives impulses from retina of eye and balance organs of ear to maintain body posture and balance, coordinate movements and hand-eye coordination.

Question 3

Hypothalamus

Answer 3

Involved in homeostatic control. Controls body temperature via impulses from thermoreceptors, water potential of blood controlled via impulses from osmoreceptors and endocrine system controlled via regulation of pituitary gland.

Question 4

Medulla Oblongata

Answer 4

Main control centre for autonomic nervous system. Carries out unconscious control of vital processes e.g temperature regulation.