1. “The basic structure and function of the hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain.”

2. LI: to understand the functions and structures of different brain regions.
Success Criteria: 1. Identify and describe the two main structures of the hindbrain. 2. Identify and describe main structure of the midbrain. 3. Identify and describe the three main structures of the forebrain.

4. Hindbrain
The hindbrain is a collection of lower level brain structures that control or influence various motor functions and vital, automatic responses such as breathing and heart rate, as well as seep and arousal (alertness). The two main structures of the hindbrain are the cerebellum and medulla.

6. CEREBELLUM
Cerebellum: coordinates fine muscle movements and regulates posture and balance. It ensures movements are smooth and precise and is most active in learning new skills and voluntary, purposeful movements. If the cerebellum is damaged, muscle movement may be impaired and balance is affected.

7. MEDULLA
Medulla: controls vital bodily functions such as swallowing, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, vomiting, salivating, coughing and sneezing, all of which occur automatically and are essential for survival.

8. Midbrain
The midbrain is a collection of structures involved with movement, processing of visual, auditory and tactile sensory information, sleep and arousal.
Information from the eyes and ears are used to help orient movements.
The major structure of the midbrain is the reticular formation.

10. RETICULAR FORMATION
Reticular formation: screens incoming information so as not to overload the brain, alerts higher brain centres to important information, helps maintain consciousness, and regulates arousal and muscle tone (tension).

11. The reticular formation extends into different parts of the brain and spinal cord. It responds to feedback from brain areas to influence whether we are awake, drowsy, asleep or somewhere in between.
More active = awake
Less active = asleep.

12. Forebrain
The Forebrain is the upper area of the brain that includes the hypothalamus, thalamus and cerebrum. The forebrain coordinates and controls complex cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, memory and perception.

14. HYPOTHALAMUS
Hypothalamus: maintains the body’s internal environment and takes part in numerous behaviours. Its main functions are to regulate the release of hormones and influence behaviours associated with basic biological needs such as hunger, thirst and sleep.

15. The hypothalamus connects the nervous system and endocrine system
The hypothalamus connects the nervous system and endocrine system. It directs the Pituitary Gland to release hormones into the body when needed.
Damage to the hypothalamus can cause problems regulating functions such as hunger and the sleep-wake cycle.

16. THALAMUS
Thalamus: filters information from almost all the receptor sites (except smell) then passes it on to the relevant brain area for processing.
Information from the Reticular Formation goes to the Thalamus to assist in level of alertness and wakefulness.

17. Injury to Thalamus
= loss of senses. EG blindness, deafness, except smell.
= loss of arousal – lethargy through to coma.
Thalamus further filters information to direct our attention.
Thalamus closes off pathways of incoming sensations during sleep to allow the brain to rest.

18. CEREBRUM
Cerebrum: consists of the outer layer of the forebrain, known as the cerebral cortex. It is divided into two hemispheres which are connected by the corpus callosum (a bundle of nerve fibres). The cerebrum is responsible for all higher mental functioning.

19. Activities Cerebellum: balance activity
Student Activity Manual: 3.1., 3.2, 3.3