Biology - Chapter 8.3 - The Brain; Organ of the Mind

Identify the location and basic functions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

*Cerebrum* *Location:* Upper part of the brain *Function:* Coordinates thoughts, memory, and leaned behaviors involved in consciousness, memory, voluntary actions, thinking and intelligence. *Cerebellum* *Location:* Behind the brain stem and just below the occipital lobe of the cerebrum *Function:* Helps coordinate voluntary muscle activity; also involved in balance. *Brain Stem* *Location:* Between the cerebrum and the spinal cord (in front of the cerebellum) *Function:* Controls involuntary muscles and activities of the autonomic nervous system.

Identify the location and function of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes of the cerebrum.

1. *Frontal Lobes* *Location:* front of the brain *Function:* Associated with personality, judgment, self-control, and voluntary movement of the skeleton muscles. 2. *Parietal Lobes* *Location:* behind the frontal lobe *Function:* Allow one to feel sensations such as temperature, pressure, and pain, and to make judgments about such things as shape and texture. 3. *Occipital Lobes* *Location:* back of the brain *Function:* Responsible for the sense of vision. 4. *Temporal Lobes* *Location:* On either side of the brain *Function:* Associated with the senses of hearing, taste and smell.

How are the left and right cerebral hemispheres different from each other?

1. The right hemisphere is connected to the left side of the body and specializes in the "big picture," creativity, and intuitive approaches to problems. (it is sometimes said to specialize in artistic and geometric kinds of intelligence.) 2. The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and specializes in details, known procedures, and formal logic. (It is sometimes said to specialize in the reading, writing and arithmetic forms of intellect.)

Reticular formation

An intricate network of neurons within the brain stem. From Latin meaning "small net." Most important function is serving "master switch" of the cerebrum.

Why are the brain and mind not the same thing?

Answers will vary. Although the brain can be thought of as the seat of the mind, the mind does not consist simply of neurons and electrochemical reactions. The mind, a person's real self, is something above and apart from the physical body.

Behaviorism

Belief that behavior if determined by environment, not by the mind. A person's actions can be completely explained by responses to particular stimuli.

Limbic system

Complex brain structures lying clustered around the brain stem at the core of the brain. They are involved in coordinating the activity of the different parts of the brain. Generate and regulate emotions and desires.

Cerebral palsy

Disorder when the brain is damaged in the motor areas of the cerebrum, unable to control body movements.

Midbrain

Lies above the pons, nerve centers help coordinate the movements of both eyes, adjust the size of the pupils in response to light and operates the lens muscles to focus the eyes on the object of your attention.

Thalamus

Located at the uppermost end of the brain stem, which acts like a switchboard, routing activation signals from the reticular formation and sensory impulses from various parts of the body to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Pons

Located just above the medulla oblongata; links the cerebrum with the cerebellum. Assists in regulating breathing and helps coordinate some eye movements and facial expressions.

Hypothalamus

Located just below the thalamus, serves as the control unit for your body's automatic systems.

Corpus callosum

Mass of nerve fibers located at the base of the cerebrum.

Medulla oblongata

The lowest part of the brain stem. Contains nerve centers that monitor and regulate breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, etc.