Brain Structure and Function
Main Parts of the Brain The brain is made of three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. The forebrain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus (part of the limbic system). The midbrain consists of the tectum and tegmentum. The hindbrain is made of the cerebellum, pons and medulla.
Functions Forebrain plays a central role in the processing of information related to complex cognitive activities, sensory and associative functions, and voluntary motor activities. Midbrain is a portion of the central nervous system associated with vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, alertness, and temperature regulation. The hindbrain controls the body’s vital functions such as respiration and heart rate.
Parts of the Brain amygdala hippocampus pituitary
The Cerebellum Helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance the “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem, cerebellum actually means little brain. Also helps involved in nonverbal learning and memory (will discuss in later chapters), if you injured your cerebellum you would have difficulty walking, keeping your balance, shaking hands. Note: these lower brain functions occur without any conscious effort.
The Cerebral Cortex Cerebral Cortex the body’s ultimate control and information processing center the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres
The lobes of the cerebral hemispheres Planning, decision making speech Sensory Figure 4.14 page 110 The lobes of the cerebral hemispheres: parietal, occipital, temporal, and frontal. Vision Auditory
Hemispheric Specialization LEFT Symbolic thinking (Language) Detail Literal meaning RIGHT Spatial perception Overall picture Context, metaphor
Left Brain Dominant You probably work with a daily task list You like to be the critic in class You feel you're naturally good at math or science You are rational and logical Your research is precise and well-documented You set goals for yourself You can interpret information well Your room is tidy You can answer questions spontaneously You follow directions and you do read directions (unlike some people) You aren't touchy-feely
Right Brain Dominant Be shown rather than told how to do a task. Solve problems by looking at similarities and patterns. Draw rather than write. Physically handle objects. Answer open-ended questions rather than multiple choice tests. Discuss topics. Assimilate whole chunks of information rather than break them down into discrete facts.
Contra-lateral division of labor Right hemisphere controls left side of body and visual field Left hemisphere controls right side of body and visual field