the brain Flashcards
what parts make up the hindbrain?
the brain stem (medulla and pons) and the cerebellum
what is the function of the brain stem?
input point for signals that are travelling through the spine
what is the function of the medulla?
regulating heartrate and respiration, and a routing point for sensory/motor neuronal travelling
what is the function of the pons?
regulate sleep, dreaming and respiration
what is the function of the cerebellum?
higher level muscular movement (coordination, learning, memory, reflex)
what is the midbrain used for?
a sensory relay station, consciousness
what is the main part of the midbrain?
reticular formation
what is the function of reticular formation?
ascending portion sends input to the higher regions, and the descending portion admits or blocks signals
what is the reticular formation a relay center for?
vision and audition (motor neurons that control eye movement)
what is the forebrain used for?
sensory, motor, and biological drives
what are the three parts of the forebrain?
thalamus, basal ganglia, and hypothalamus
what is the function of the thalamus?
routes sensory information, like a ‘sensory switchboard’
what is the thalamus important for?
sensory processing (signals that leave your eye head to the visual cortex)
what does the basal ganglia control? what is another role?
voluntary muscle movement and learning/reward
what does the basal ganglia produce?
dopamine, which is why it is associated with motor control
what is the hypothalamus important for?
controlling biological drives like eating, drinking, sexual behavior, temperature, aggression