The Brain: Regions and Structures 1.4b

What does the hindbrain control?

Essential survival functions like breathing, sleeping, arousal, coordination, and balance.

How does the midbrain connect the hindbrain and forebrain?

By controlling some movements and transmitting info for seeing and hearing

What is the main role of the forebrain?

It manages complex thinking, sensory functions, and voluntary motor actions.

What does the brainstem consist of, and what does it do?

Includes the medulla and pons, controlling heartbeat, breathing, movement coordination, and sleep without conscious effort.

Describe the thalamus in simple terms.

It's the brain’s sensory hub, routing info (except smell) to the right areas for processing.

Where is the reticular formation, and what is its function?

Inside the brainstem; it filters sensory info and controls alertness

How does the cerebellum support movement?

It coordinates voluntary actions and enables nonverbal learning

What emotions does the amygdala manage, and what happens if it's damaged?

Manages fear and aggression; damage reduces arousal to fear or anger.

What bodily functions does the hypothalamus regulate?

` Hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior

What would happen if the hippocampus is damaged?

One wouldn’t be able to form new memories, affecting memory retention

What does the cerebral cortex enable us to do?

Think, speak, and adapt to new situations.

What functions are associated with the frontal lobes?

Judgment, planning, and social behavior.

Which area processes visual information?

The occipital lobes.

What is the role of the somatosensory cortex?

It processes touch and body sensations from different parts of the body