THE BRAINChapter 2

THE BRAIN- OLDER STRUCTURES Brainstem-oldest and innermost region

Medulla- the control center for your heartbeat and breathing

Crossover point- most nerves to and from each side of the brain connecting to the body’s opposite side Thus, the right brain controls the left side of the

body and vice versa

Thalamus- sits on the top of the brain stemReceives info from all senses except smell

THE BRAIN Cerebellum- means “little brain”

How much time has passed since you woke up?

How’s your mood? Helps you judge time, discriminate sounds and

textures, and control your emotions Coordinates voluntary movement Helps to process and store memories for things

we cannot consciously recall

THE LIMBIC SYSTEM Amygdala

Plays a role in emotions Mostly aggression and fear

Hypothalamus Influence hunger, thirst, body temperature,

and sexual behavior

Read pg 38

CEREBRAL CORTEX Cerebral Cortex- thin layer of neural

cells that cover the cerebrum (two halves of the brain)Body’s ultimate control and information

processing centerEnables you to perceive, think, and speak

CEREBRAL CORTEX Structure of the cortex

Frontal lobe- involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgment

Parietal lobe- receives sensory input for touch and body position

Occipital lobe- receive info from the visual fields

Temporal lobe- receive info from the ears (hearing)

Read pg 42-43

STRUCTURE OF THE CORTEX

TWO HALVES OF THE BRAIN