The Brain Structure and Functions

Flashcards covering key concepts about the structure and functions of the brain, essential for exam preparation.

Brain Stem

Controls basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Midbrain

Plays a role in sensory and motor pathways and helps with visual and auditory reflexes.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate; lower part of the brainstem.

Pons

Regulates sleep and arousal, helps with breathing regulation; connects cerebellum to cerebral cortex.

Cerebellum

Coordinates muscle movement and balance, involved in procedural learning.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Controls arousal, wakefulness, and attention; runs through the brainstem.

Limbic System

Responsible for emotion, motivation, and memory; made up of multiple structures.

Amygdala

Plays a key role in processing emotions like fear and aggression; part of the limbic system.

Hippocampus

Essential for the formation of new memories and converting short-term into long-term memory.

Thalamus

Acts as the brain’s sensory relay station, directing sensory information to the correct areas.

Hypothalamus

Maintains homeostasis by regulating hunger, thirst, temperature, and circadian rhythms.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the 'master gland' as it controls the function of other endocrine glands.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them.

Cerebral Cortex

Involved in higher-order thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and complex sensory processing.

Frontal Lobe

Controls decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and voluntary movement.

Parietal Lobe

Processes touch, pain, temperature, and includes the somatosensory cortex.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

Handles auditory processing and language comprehension.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes sensory input from the body, including touch, pressure, and temperature.

Broca's Area

Responsible for speech production; damage can result in __ aphasia.

Wernicke's Area

Responsible for language comprehension; damage can lead to __ aphasia.