Question

1. Identify and describe the "old brain" structures or areas. Illustrate the function of each area.

Answer 1

Answer- The old brain structures consist of the following-

i) The brain stem- The brain stem is responsible for controlling the basic functions of life like breathing, motor responses, attention, etc.

ii) Medulla- The medulla controls the heart rate and breathing.

iii) Pons- The pons controls body movements, and helps in balance and walking.

iv) Reticular formation- The reticular formation filters out some of the stimuli that enter the brain through the spinal cord. It also relays the other signals to the various areas of the brain.

v) Thalamus- The thalamus filters the information coming up the spinal cord through the reticular formation and sends the remaining signals to the other parts of the brain.

vi) Cerebellum- The cerebellum helps in coordinating voluntary movements.

vii) Amygdala- The amygdala is responsible for regulating our perception of fear and aggression.

viii) Hypothalamus- The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating hunger and sexual behavior. It also links the nervous system to the endocrine system through the pituitary glands.

viii) Hippocampus- The hippocampus stores information in long-term memory.