Name the major parts of the brain, and give a function for each part. (pages \(285-88\) )

Short Answer

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The major parts of the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The cerebrum, divided into left and right hemispheres, is responsible for higher-order functions such as thinking, reasoning, memory, and voluntary muscle movements. The cerebellum coordinates muscle activity, maintains balance, and ensures smooth, precise movements, while also playing a role in cognitive functions like attention and language processing. The brainstem controls essential autonomic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as basic reflexes, and is divided into the midbrain (eye movement control), pons (sleep regulation, facial expression control), and medulla oblongata (breathing and heart rate control).

Step by step solution

01

Cerebrum

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres – left and right. The cerebrum is responsible for higher-order brain functions such as thinking, reasoning, memory, and voluntary muscle movements. The outer layer of the cerebrum, known as the cerebral cortex, contains areas for processing sensory information and controlling motor functions.
02

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum, and is responsible for coordinating and regulating muscle activity, maintaining balance, and ensuring smooth, precise movements. It also plays a role in some cognitive functions, such as attention and language processing.
03

Brainstem

The brainstem, located at the base of the brain, connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord. It controls many essential autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as some basic reflexes, like swallowing and coughing. The brainstem is divided into three main sections: the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. Each of these sections has a specific function, such as controlling eye movement (midbrain), regulating sleep and controlling facial expressions (pons), and controlling breathing and heart rate (medulla oblongata). In summary, the major parts of the brain - cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem - each have their own specific functions that work together to regulate and control a wide range of processes occurring within the human body.

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