JH+brain+Hw

The Brain Homework (using the book) p.256 to 261.

Outline the parts and function of the four major parts of the brain: (1) cerebrum, (2) diencephalon, (3) cerebellum, (4) brain stem. (Images helpful) __Cerebrum__: __Diencephalon__: Cerebellum: Brain stem: (5) What is the function of the limbic system?
 * know as the telecephalon
 * receives sensory input
 * carries out integration before commanding voluntary motor responses
 * includes the two hemispheres
 * largest part of the human brain
 * an area that surrounds the third ventricle
 * Hypothalamus
 * it makes the base of the third ventricle
 * regulates homeostasis through: hunger, sleep, thirst, and body temperature
 * controls pituitary gland (secretes growth hormone), so it serves as a link between the nervous and endocrine system
 * Thalamus
 * made up of two masses of gray matter, located at the roof and sides of the third ventricle
 * it receives all sensory information besides smell
 * helps in memory and emotions
 * is under the occipital lobe of the cerebrum and it is separated from the brain stem by the fourth ventricle
 * receives sensory input from the eyes, ears, joints, and muscle about the bodies position
 * it insures that all of the muscles work together properly
 * assists in the learning of new motor skills
 * the brain stem includes the mid-brain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata
 * Mid-brain
 * contains reflex centers for the eyes, ears, and touch sensors
 * relay station for tracts passing between the cerebrum and the spinal cord or cerebellum
 * Pons
 * means bridge in Latin
 * contain a bundle of axons traveling between the cerebellum and the and the rest of the CNS
 * Medulla Oblongata
 * contains reflex centers for heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, vomiting, coughing, hiccuping, and swallowing
 * The limbic system combines primitive emotions with with higher mental functions into a united whole

(6) What limbic system structure is involved in the flight or fight reaction. Explain.
 * the amygdala is involved in fight of flight because it uses fear and remembers past experiences or thing that can trigger us to react in a certain way like running away from something scary or screaming.

(7) What limbic system structure is involved in learning and memory. Explain.
 * the hippocampus has a crucial role in our memory by acting as an information gateway during the learning process and it decides what information is important and remembers it

(8) Describe the various types of memory.
 * Short term memory - is located in our foreheads
 * Long term memory - is a mixture of semantic memory (numbers and words) and episodic memory (persons and events)
 * Skill memory - it is the memory that you have of actives done with the body,your body remembers how to position itself (walking is a skill memory), and it is subconscious

(9) What appear to be the roles of the left hemisphere of the cerebrum and the right hemisphere?
 * Left Hemisphere - verbal, logical, analytical, rational
 * Right Hemisphere - non-verbal, intuitive, creative

(10) What is Wernicke's area and Broca's area?
 * Wernickes area - seeing and hearing of words, when damaged it is hard for a person to understand speech
 * Brocas area - deals with speaking and writing, when damaged it is hard for a person to speak or write