Module 2 - Parts of the Brain Flashcards
Roles of brain stem
- basic functions
- homeostasis and movement
- directs and transfers information to the rest of the brain
- reticular formation is the selectivity filter that determines arousal and sleep
- includes mid brain, pons and medulla oblongata
Location and roles of cerebellum
- Base of brain (at the base behind brain stem)
- coordination
- motor function
- cognitive and perceptual functions
Where is the diencephalon located and what are its three parts?
Mid brain above brain stem
- Epithalamas
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
Where is the cerebrum and what are its lobes?
Dominating part of the brain (all of the top)
Lobes:
- frontal
- parietal
- temporal
- occipital
Broca’s area vs Wernicke’s area
Broca’s area is in the frontal lobe and is active during speech generation
Wernicke’s area is in the temporal lobe and is active when speech is heard
Parts of the limbic system
Olfactory bulb Hypothalamus Thalamas Hippocampus for memory Amygdala - initiates fear
Process of memory and learning
Short term - hippocampus is constantly active
Long term - cerebral cortex
Recall - short term memory activated again
What is the fundamental process for storing memories and learning?
The high frequency transmission of glutamate results in increased size of postsynaptic potentials at synapses which can last for days or weeks.
What is the position and roles of the frontal lobe?
front
- motor cortex controls skeletal muscles
- prefrontal cortex controls decisions making and planning
- Broca’s area forms speech
What is the position and roles of the parietal lobe?
Top back
- somatosensory cortex for sense of touch
- sensory association cortex integrates sensory information
What is the position and roles of the temporal lobe?
Centre/bottom
- auditory cortex for hearing
- Wernicke’s area comprehends language
What is the position and roles of the occipital lobe?
back bottom
- visual cortex processes visual stimuli and recognises patterns
- visual association cortex combines images and recognises objects
Where is the epithalamas located in the diencephalon and what are its roles?
Back
- connects limbic system (the emotional centre) to the rest of the brain
- the pineal gland controls melatonin release for sleep
Where is the thalamus located in the diencephalon and what are its roles?
Middle
- input from sensory neurons
- output via motor neurons
Where is the hypothalamus located in the diencephalon and what are its roles?
Front
- homeostatic regulation - hormones
- biological clock
- temperature regulation
- survival - hunger, thirst
