Brain+ZW

The Brain Homework (using the book) p.256 to 261. (1) Cerebrum: The largest part of the human brain that receives sensory input last and carries out integration before commanding voluntary motor responses. (2) Diencephalon: The diencephalon is the region of the brain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, prethalamus or and pretectum. It is derived from the prosencephalon. The diencephalon is located at the midline of the brain, above the mesencephalon of the brain stem.

(3) Cerebellum: The cerebulleum lies under the occipital lobe of the cerebrum and is separated from the brain stem by the fourth ventricle. The cerebellum receives sensory input from the eyes, ears, joints, and muscles about the present position of the body parts, and it also receives motor output from the cerebral cortex about where these parts should be located.

(4) Brain stem: It contains the mid-brain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.

Mid-Brain: acts as a relay station for tracts passing between the cerebrum and the spinal cord or cerebellum. It also has reflex centers for visual and auditory.

The Pons: contains bundles of axons traveling between the cerebellum and the rest of the CNS. Along with the medulla, controls breathing rate. Also head movements in response to visual and auditory stimuli.

The Medulla Oblongata: Contains reflex centers for heartbeat, breathing, vasoconstriction, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, hiccupping, and swallowing. It lies just above the spinal cord.

(5) What is the function of the limbic system? The limbic system blends primitive emotions and higher mental functions into a united whole. It accounts for why activities such as sexual behavior and eating seem pleasurable and also why mental stress can lead to high blood pressure.

(6) What limbic system structure is involved in the flight or fight reaction. Explain. The amygdala can cause experiences to have emotional overtones and it creates the sensation of fear. Thus fight-or-flight.

(7) What limbic system structure is involved in learning and memory. Explain. The hippocampus is the part of the limbic systems that determines what info needs to be kept and stored, what needs to be disregarded, and what needs to be passed on.

(8) Describe the various types of memory. First there are the two that everyone knows; short-term and long-term, then there is semantic memory for words and numbers, then episodic memory for people and events. Also there is skill memory.

(9) What appear to be the roles of the left hemisphere of the cerebrum and the right hemisphere? Left: Verbal, Logical, Analytical, and Rational Right: Nonverbal, visuospatial, Intuitive, Creative

(10) What is Wernicke's area and Broca's area? Wernicke’s area is the part of the brain that is responsible for comprehending speech and Broca’s area is the part of the brain responsible for speaking and writing, basically communicating.