Major parts of the brain and their function Flashcards
The three sections the brain is divided into.
Hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain
Where is the hindbrain and what does it do?
Near the back of the skull
Controls vital activities that we have no control over (eg. breathing) as well as coordinating voluntary muscle movements and reflex actions.
Cerebellum (‘little brain’) functions relating to motor functions.
- Relays motor info to and from the cerebral cortex to coordinate
- Receives info from spinal cord, sensory systems, other parts of the brain.
Cerebellum (‘little brain’) functions relating to sensory functions.
- Receives info from spinal cord, sensory systems, other parts of the brain.
- Coordinates timing and force of different muscle groups during a voluntary movement.
Medulla functions
- Relays info between spinal cord and brain
- Regulates involuntary bodily functions (swallowing, breathing, heart rate, sneezing, salivating)
- Communicates w/ autonomic nervous system.
Where is the midbrain and what are its functions?
Sits on top of the hindbrain under the cerebral hemispheres.
Its functions are extremely diverse and include acting as the brain’s sensory switchboard, receiving messages from all the senses (except for smell) and sending them on to the higher brain regions to be dealt with.
What is the reticular formation?
A network of neurons that coordinate the function of many vital brain systems (extends through the brainstem, from the spinal cord to the midbrain).
What does the Reticular formation do?
Bombards the brain with sensory info where unimportant info is ignored.
Keeps the cerebral cortex active and awake.
Controls physiological arousal and awareness and muscle tone by regulating the function of the ANS.
Regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
What is the forebrain and what are its functions?
The most highly developed and largest part of the brain. It plays a major role in how we think, feel and behave.
Neural pathways connect with parts of the midbrain and hindbrain to coordinate and regulate functions of the brain.
What does the thalamus do?
Acts as a relay system for sensory info going to the cerebral cortex.
Coordinates shifts in consciousness like waking up and falling asleep.
What sense does the thalamus not receive?
Nose; olfactory.
What does the hypothalamus do?
(TW) Maintains homeostasis in the body. Regulates the release of hormones, regulates appetite, thirst and body temperature.
Cerebrum
Responsible for most conscious actions.
Cerebral cortex
Initiates, plans and controls voluntary body movements.
Responsible for higher-order mental abilities.
Corpus callosum
The largest tract of nerve fibres providing a connection between the left and right hemispheres.
