Part 2 Flashcards
what are the main functions of the reptilian brain (brain stem)
- performs primitive and basic behaviors in order to sustain life
- regulates information transfer between our spinal cord and between brain hemispheres
- this allows us to perform autonomous functions and fine motor movements
What are the three parts of the brain stem?
- medulla oblongata
- pons
- midbrain
What are the main functions of the neocortex?
- influencing sleep
- processing and storing memories
- high order brain processing:
- sensory perception
- motor commands
- conscious thought
what is the neocortex made up of?
- cerebral tissue
- grey matter
What are the 4 lobes that make the neocortex?
- frontal
- parietal
- occipital
- temporal
What are the main functions of the limbic system?
- plays a role in learning
- regulates our emotions and motivations for activities like reproduction, eating, and attachment
- influences endocrine and autonomous nervous system
- no concept of time and acts irrationally
What are the two divisions of the autonomous nervous system?
- sympathetic
- parasympathetic
What are the main functions of the autonomous nervous system?
-reacts to an environment by controlling unconscious bodily process
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
- is activated in threatening situations to protect us
- activates the fight or flight response
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
- counteract the effects of the fight or flight response
- calms us down
What parts of the brain causes the activation of the stress response?
- Amygdala
- hypothalamus
What happens when the stress response is activated?
- amygdala perceives a situation as threatening
- sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus
- the hypothalamus stimulates the adrenal and pituitary gland
- this releases adrenaline and activities the sympathetic nervous system
What happens when the amygdala continues to perceive a situation as a threat?
- the hypothalamus will release hormone ACTH
- causes adrenal glands to release cortisol
- more blood sugar to cope with longterm stressors