Brain+Homework+EAT

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
 * It is the biggest part of the human brain. It is the last to receive sensory input and perform integration before signaling motor responses. It is in direct communication with and coordination with the activity in the other part of the brain.



(2) diencephalon
 * The part of the brain that is wrapped around the third ventricle. It is made up of the hypothalamus and thalamus. The hypothalamus is the bottom part of the thirs ventricle. it is the center that is involved in almost all parts, it helps to maintain homeostasis by managing hunger, sleep, thirst, body temperature, and water balance throughout the body and brain. It links the nervous system and endocrine system. The thalamus is on the sides and top of the third ventricle. It is the end of receptors of all sensory input (except smell.) It moves the sensory signals to the appropriate part of cerebrum. It is linked to emotions and memory.



(3) cerebellum
 * Is separated from the brain stem by the fourth ventricle. It has two parts which are joined by a small median portion. It receives sensory signals from the eyes, ears, joints, and muscles. It allows the brain to know the current placement of the body parts. It also receives "motor output" (text book) from the cerebral cortex... it lets the brain know where the body parts should be located. It helps the body maintain posture and balance. It helps the muscles have deliberate movements.



(4) brain stem
 * It is made up of the middle brain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.
 * The midbrain is part as a relay for tracts passing from the cerebrum and the spinal cord (or the cerebellum.) It is responsible for reflexes for visuals, auditory, and tactile responses.
 * The pons is a "bridge" between the cerebellum and the rest of CNS. It helps to regulate breathing rate and is focused on head movements in response to visual and auditory signals.
 * The medulla oblongata helps regulates the heartbeat, breathing, and vasoconstriction (blood pressure.) It has the reflex signals for vomiting, coughing, sneezing, hiccuping, and swallowing.



(5) What is the function of the limbic system?
 * An evolutionary group of organs deep inside the cerebrum that is used for grouping rather than anatomical purpose. It blends emotions and complex mental functions into one signal. It is the reason why sexual behavior and eating are pleasurable and why stress can lead to high blood pressure.

(6) What limbic system structure is involved in the flight or fight reaction. Explain. (7) What limbic system structure is involved in learning and memory. Explain. 8) Describe the various types of memory. (9) What appear to be the roles of the left hemisphere of the cerebrum and the right hemisphere? (10) What is Wernicke's area and Broca's area?
 * The amygdala is involved in the flight-or-fight reaction. The amygdala is directly linked to sudden emotional changes, which is also linked to the emotion fear. It triggers an immediate change in emotion change causing the body to react in an extreme way.
 * The hippocampus is linked to learning and memory. It is an information "gateway" during learning. It decides which information is supposed to be sent to the memory and how the information should be used and stored by the other parts of the brain.
 * Short-term- the part of the memory that stores information for a short period of time. It is located right above the forehead.
 * Long-term- the part of the memory that stores information for a long period of time. It is made up of the semantic memory (which is responsible for numbers, words and other similar things) and the episodic memory (responsible for people, events and other similar things.)
 * Skill memory- when the body remembers how to perform a skill (riding a bike or playing a sport.) It is responsible for making activities automatic. When the body is first learning a skill, it takes most of the brain in order to complete the skill, but once the skill is perfected the brain is able to store this skill and remember it for next time.
 * The left side of the brain is connected to learning and not as creative.
 * logic
 * detail oriented
 * words and language
 * present and past
 * math and science
 * order/pattern
 * practical
 * The right side of the brain is connected to creativity.
 * feelings
 * "big picture" oriented
 * symbols and images
 * present and future
 * believes
 * risk taking
 * fantasy based
 * Wenickes area is a part of the brain that is used for auditory information. It is used to interpret speech (words.)
 * Broca's area is used for motor signals. It is used for skill such as writing and talking. It is the main motor area of the brain.