pltw human body systems - brain

what is the function of the midbrain?

processes visual and auditory info and generates reflexes; region also helps maintain consciousness

what is the function of the pons?

connects cerebellum to the brain stem; is responsible for breathing and motor control

what is the function of the medulla oblongata?

regulates vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestive activities and respiration

what is the function of the spinal cord?

carries information from the brain to the rest of the nerves in the body and vice versa

what is the brain stem?

a collection of structures that is responsible for basic organ functioning and includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata

what is the cerebellum?

adjusts voluntary and involuntary motor activities; muscle coordination; balance and equilibrium

what is the amygdala?

structure in the limbic system; controls emotions such as fear, disgust, and anger

what is the function of the thalamus?

relay and processing center for sensory info; acts like a switchboard for the senses

what is the function of the hypothalamus?

regulates temperature, sleep, and appetite; hormone production

what is the function of the hippocampus?

storing long term memories; learning

what is the olfactory bulb?

the region below the frontal lobe where the first synapse for smell occurs

what is the limbic system?

a collection of structures responsible for mood and survival instincts; includes the hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala

what is the function of the frontal lobe?

complex thought and consciousness, interprets ongoing events and predicts future situations or consequences; associated with reasoning, planning, speech production, movement, emotions like sadness and joy, and problem solving; self-awareness

what is the function of the temporal lobe?

hearing, memory, understanding language, sense of time

what is the function of the parietal lobe?

what is the function of the occipital lobe?

visual processing

what is the function of the corpus callosum?

links the left and right cerebral hemispheres together

what is the cerebrum?

a collection of structures that is responsible for higher and more complex thinking; includes the four lobes

what is broca’s area?

a region in the frontal lobe that controls speech

what is wenicke’s area?

a region in the temporal lobe that controls language understanding

what is the function of the motor cortex / pre-central gyrus?

directs voluntary movements by controlling somatic motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord

what is the function of the sensory cortex / post-central gyrus

receives somatic sensory info from touch, pressure, pain, and temperature receptors

what is the function of the pineal gland?

secretes hormones that regulate the day / night cycle

what is the function of the pituitary gland?

releases hormones to control many bodily activities; primary link between nervous and endocrine systems