regions of the brain (chapter 4) Flashcards
what are the regions of the brain
midbrain, hindbrain, and forebrain
explain the midbrain and its location
- contains neural pathways that join the upper and lower brain areas.
- responsible for the regulation of sleep, processing visual, auditory and tactile sensations, motor movements and arousal
explain the hindbrain and its location
- a link between the spinal cord and the brain
- important for movement, balance and vital automatic processes (breathing, alertness, sleep)
explain the forebrain and its location
- has numerous neural pathways connecting all parts of the brain so that brain function is coordinated
- responsible for complex, cognitive tasks such as thinking, learning, personality and memory.
what is the brain stem?
structure that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord and cerebellum.
includes: midbrain, pons and medulla
what are the pons and where are they located
- involved in sleep, dreaming, arousal and coordination of some muscle movements
- receives info sent from visual areas to control eye and body actions
- helps relay messages between the cerebellum and other brain areas
located in hindbrain
what is the medulla and where is it located
- controls breathing, heartbeat and digestion
- also controls vital functions like swallowing, blood pressure, coughing and sneezing
located in hindbrain
what is the cerebellum and where is it located
- coordinates the sequence of fine, smooth body movement
- controls posture, balance and purposeful movements
- involved in learning and memory associated with movement
located in hindbrain
what is the reticular formation and where is it located
- mainly situated in the midbrain
- it is a network of neurons that controls arousal and alertness and the sleep-wake cycle, as well as muscle tension
- less activity in the reticular formation leads to sleepiness and drowsiness
what is the hypothalamus and where is it located
- maintains homeostasis through is connections to the autonomic nervous system (body temp, blood pressure)
- regulates the release of hormones from various glands, influencing behaviours associated with basic needs such as thirst and hunger
located in the forebrain
what is the thalamus and where is it located
- located beneath the cerebral cortex deep within the hemispheres, dividing into 2 parts that sit side by side in each hemisphere
- receives incoming info from our senses (except smell) and relays it to relevant parts of the cortex, where it can be processed into relevant info.
- determines which of the incoming sensory info is most important for us
located in the forebrain
what is the cerebrum and where is it located
- the biggest part of the forebrain consisting of the cerebral cortex and masses of neural tissue where neurons form connections
- divided into the left and right cerebral hemispheres, and separated by the longitudinal fissure that runs from the front to the rear of the cortex
- connected by the corpus callosum: a set of neural fibres that bridge the gap between the 2 hemispheres
- responsible for almost everything we consciously think, feel and do
what is the role of the cerebral cortex
- responsible for receiving info from the environment, controlling our responses and for higher order thinking processes
- also involved in memory, language and the regulation of emotions
- consists of folded bulges called gyri that create deep fissures called sulci, which increases the amount of info processed
- it has 3 functional areas: motor, sensory and association
- left and right hemispheres have different roles in processing a specific neuronal task or behaviour
what is the brain
the brain is the most complex part of the human body, consisting of the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. These structures work together to enable our body to behave and function in according with our thoughts and feelings
what does the cerebral cortex allow us to do
- plan and carry out a series of body movements
- use words to make conversations
- complete complex and simple tasks
- understand the meaning of information
- think in abstract and symbolic ways
