Download Biological Foundations: Brain 1. Primary organization of the brain A

Biological Foundations: Brain
1. Primary organization of the brain
A. Hindbrain and midbrain: Essential functions (largely unconscious) such as
breathing, circulation, balance, wakefulness, simple processing of vision and
hearing.
B. Forebrain--more complex sensory processing, biological drives, regulation of
emotion, complex thought and planning.
2. Shared aspects with other animals
A. Reptiles, simple mammals, and complex mammals
B. Think-Pair-Share activity: How is the human brain like scoops of ice
cream? (Note the themes in the article, “From primitive parts, a highly
evolved human brain.”)
3. Major structures of the brain
A. Hindbrain and midbrain: Medulla (breathing, circulation). Pons and
reticular formation (wakefulness). Cerebellum (balance). Midbrain is rich in
dopamine-producing neurons.
B. Forebrain:
Limbic system: Thalamus (relays sensory information).
Hypothalamus (the "four Fs": fighting, fleeing, feeding, ...mating).
Amygdala (emotional impulses such as fear, rage). Hippocampus
(formation of memories).
Cerebrum: Complex mental activities such as learning, thinking,
planning, and complex sensory processing. The outer, "wrinkled"
area of the brain is the cerebral cortex.
4. Lobes of the cerebral cortex
A. Occipital lobes: visual processing
B. Parietal lobes: touch processing, monitoring body position
C. Temporal lobes: auditory processing
D. Frontal lobes: coordination of body movements and control of fine
muscles such as tongue and fingers. The prefrontal cortex is the center for
inhibiting impulses and planning ahead--"executive control functions".
E. The cerebrum is composed of two hemispheres connected by a bundle
of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum. The hemispheres are
organized contralaterally. For example, the left side of the body receives
signals from the right side of the brain.