The Brain Flashcards
What structures are in the hindbrain
Medulla, pons, cerebellum
what structures are in the Midbrain
Tectum, Substantial nigra
what structures are in the forebrain
thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex
describe the function of the medulla
in the lower half of the brainstem, controls basic motor functions such as cardiac respiration and reflexes like coughing, swallowing and vomiting
describe the function of the pons
contain nuclei that relay signals from the forebrain to the cerebellum, controls unconscious factors such as sleep-wake cycles and breathing
describe the function of the cerebellum
maintenance of balance and posture, coordinating of movements - especially across joints, motor learning
describe the function of the tectum
superior colliculus - vision
inferior colliculus - sound
describe the function of the substantial nigra
- associated with sleep and wake cycles, alertness, and temperature regulation. is particularly affected by Parkinson’s disease
describe the function of the thalamus
diencephalon - bottom of the forebrain. acts as a switchboard - takes information from the periphery and passes it to the cortex, the hypothalamus is involved in hormone release and metabolic control
describe the function of the basal ganglia
telencephalon - in the forebrain. as a series of interconnected nuclei, movement regulation, skill learning, habit formation, reward systems - addiction, selection of appropriate behaviours
describe the function of the cerebral cortex
what makes us human: attention perception, thought, awareness, memory, language, consciousness.
why are primates brains special?
most animals’ neurons get bigger with animal size, with primates this is not the case meaning more neurons can be packed in.
