Parts Of The Brain Flashcards
What does the central core contain?
The medulla and the cerebellum
What is the function of the medulla?
The medulla regulates basic life processes such as breathing, heart rate, arousal and sleep. These are all involuntary and happen automatically
What is the function of the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is responsible for controlling balance, posture and movement
Where is the hypothalamus located?
In the limbic system of the brain
What is the hypothalamus connected to?
The pituitary gland
How does the hypothalamus influence the pituitary gland?
The hypothalamus influences the pituitary gland by regulating the hormones produced by the endocrine gland
What is the function of the limbic system?
The limbic system processes information for memories and influences as well as how emotional and biologically motivated (hungry+thirsty) we are. It also controls behaviour
What does the pituitary gland regulate? Give examples.
The pituitary gland helps to regulate homeostatic mechanisms such as:
the contraction and relaxation of smooth, involuntary muscles during vasoconstriction and vasodilation
Body temperature
Water balance
What is the cerebral cortex?
The outer layer of the cerebrum
What are getting functions of the cerebral cortex?
Centre of conscious thought Receives sensory info from receptors Co-ordinates voluntary movements Makes decisions based on experience Recalls memories Alters our behaviour in the light of experience
What are the two halves of the brain called when split by a deep cleft?
The cerebral hemispheres
What does the left cerebral hemisphere deal with?
Info from the right visual field and controls right side of body
What does the right cerebral hemisphere deal with?
Info from left visual field and controls left side of body
Where is info in the cerebral cortex transferred through?
Info transferred through an area at the centre of the cerebrum called the corpus callosum
What is the corpus callosum?
The corpus callosum is a large bunch of nerve fibres that link two side of the brain
