Major parts of the brain

Question 1

3 weeks after conception

Answer 1

The brain gradually develops from a long hollow tube to a spherical mass of cells.

Question 2

Brain stem

Answer 2

The brain stem is responsible for many vital functions, including regulating breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and consciousness. It also serves as a pathway for information between the brain and the rest of the body.

Question 3

Cerebellum

Answer 3

Part of the brain that controls balance and motor coordination develops most rapidly during the first year of life.

Question 4

Cerebrum

Answer 4

This is the largest part of the brain and is divided into right and left hemispheres, each with specialized functions.

Question 5

Lateralization

Answer 5

Specialization of the hemispheres or the tendency to have its specific functions.

Question 6

Left hemisphere

Answer 6

Mainly concerned with language and logical thinking

Question 7

Right hemisphere

Answer 7

Visual and spatial functions, such as reading maps and drawing.

Question 8

Corpus Callosum

Answer 8

A thick bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate. It is also involved in movement control, cognitive functions, and vision. It grows dramatically in childhood and reaches adult size by the age of 10.

Question 9

Frontal Lobe

Answer 9

Located at the front of the brain and is associated with reasoning, motor skills, higher level cognition, and expressive language. Damage to the frontal lobe can lead to changes in sexual habits, socialization, and attention as well as increased risk-taking.

Question 10

Parietal Lobe

Answer 10

Located in the middle section of the brain and is associated with processing tactile sensory information such as pressure, touch, and pain. A portion of the brain known as the somatosensory cortex is located in this lobe and is essential to the processing of the body’s senses.

Question 11

Temporal lobe

Answer 11

Located on the bottom section of the brain. This lobe is also the location of the primary auditory cortex, which is important for interpreting sounds and the language we hear.

The hippocampus is also located in the temporal lobe, which is why this portion of the brain is also heavily associated with the formation of memories. Damage to the temporal lobe can lead to problems with memory, speech perception, and language skills.

Question 12

Occipital Lobe

Answer 12

Located at the back portion of the brain and is associated with interpreting visual stimuli and information. The primary visual cortex, which receives and interprets information from the retinas of the eyes, is located in the occipital lobe.

Damage to this lobe can cause visual problems such as difficulty recognizing objects, an inability to identify colors, and trouble recognizing words.