Biology Chapter 13: Nervous System (Part 2)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the basal nuclei in the brain?

To control voluntary movements

To integrate motor commands to ensure coordinated movements (correct)

To regulate breathing and heartbeat

To process sensory information

What is the function of the cerebrum?

To control involuntary movements

To communicate with and coordinate activities of other parts of the brain (correct)

To process auditory information

To regulate body temperature

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

To separate the cerebrum from the brain stem

To regulate breathing and heartbeat

To process visual information

To connect the two hemispheres (correct)

What is the function of the diencephalon?

To help maintain homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the reticular formation?

To filter out irrelevant sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest part of the human brain?

Cerebrum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebral cortex?

To facilitate sensation, voluntary movement, and thought processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the brain stem?

To connect the cerebrum with other brain parts and regulate breathing and heartbeat Signup and view all the answers

Which brain hemisphere is associated with a more global approach to processing information?

Right hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What type of waves are recorded by an EEG when a subject is awake with their eyes open?

Beta waves Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

12 Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for transmitting sensory information from external receptors to the CNS and motor commands away from the CNS to skeletal muscles?

Somatic system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic system?

Bringing about relaxed responses or 'housekeeper system' Signup and view all the answers

What is the neurotransmitter associated with the sympathetic division of the autonomic system?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the thalamus in the brain?

Serves as a central relay station for sensory impulses (except smell) Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for arousing the cerebrum and causing a person to be alert?

Reticular Activating System (RAS) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is crucial for learning and memory in the limbic system?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory involves the ability to perform motor activities?

Skill memory Signup and view all the answers

Which area is responsible for the ability to comprehend speech?

Wernicke's area Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the left hemisphere of the brain?

Verbal, Logical, analytical, Rational Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the right hemisphere of the brain?

Nonverbal, visuospacial, Intuitive, Creative Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for blending primitive emotions and higher mental functions into a united whole?

Limbic System Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Brain

The brain is divided into the cerebrum, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brain stem.
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for communication and coordination with other parts of the brain.
It is divided into left and right cerebral hemispheres, separated by the longitudinal fissure.

Cerebrum Structure

The cerebrum consists of gray matter (outer part) and white matter (inner part).
Gray matter consists of the cerebral cortex and basal nuclei.
The cerebral cortex is a highly convoluted outer layer that covers the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for sensation, voluntary movement, and thought processes.
Basal nuclei are masses located deep within white matter, integrating motor commands to ensure smooth and coordinated movements.
The two hemispheres are connected by the corpus callosum.

Lobes of Cerebral Hemisphere

Not specified in the provided text.

Basal Nuclei

Integrate motor commands to ensure smooth and coordinated movements.

Diencephalon and Cerebellum

The diencephalon is made up of the hypothalamus and thalamus, and circles the third ventricle, acting as an integrating center to maintain homeostasis.
The cerebellum is separated from the brain stem by the fourth ventricle, involved in muscle coordination, tone, and maintaining posture and balance.

Brain Stem

The brain stem contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
It connects the cerebrum with other brain parts, regulates breathing, and is responsible for reflex movements in response to visual and auditory stimuli.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The RAS is a complex network of nuclei and fibers extending the length of the brain stem.
It involves the thalamus, which serves as a central relay station for sensory impulses (except smell), and acts as a "gatekeeper" to the cerebrum.
The RAS arouses the cerebrum, causing a person to be alert.

The Limbic System and Higher Mental Functions

The limbic system is a complex network of tracts and nuclei, blending primitive emotions and higher mental functions.
It is composed of the hippocampus (crucial for learning and memory) and amygdala (emotional overtones to experiences).
The limbic system is involved in emotions, learning, and memory.

Higher Mental Functions

Memory is the ability to hold a thought in mind or to recall events from the past.
Learning takes place when we retain and utilize past memories.
Types of memory: short-term, long-term, semantic, episodic, and skill memory.

Language and Speech

Language and speech depend on semantic memory and motor centers in the occipital and temporal lobes.
Wernicke's area is responsible for the ability to comprehend speech.
Broca's area is responsible for the ability to speak and write.
The visual cortex, Wernicke's area, and Broca's area must function together.

Language and Speech (continued)

In a general way, the left and right brain have different functions:
- Left hemisphere: verbal, logical, analytical, and rational.
- Right hemisphere: nonverbal, visuospatial, intuitive, and creative.

EEG

EEG records the brain's electrical activity.
Different types of waves are recorded during different states:
- Alpha waves: when the subject is awake with eyes closed.
- Beta waves: when the subject is awake with eyes open.
- Theta waves: during REM sleep.
- Delta waves: during deep sleep.

The Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system is composed of nerves and ganglia.
Cranial nerves take impulses to and from the brain (12 pairs).
Spinal nerves take impulses to and from the spinal cord (31 pairs).

Somatic System

The somatic system includes nerves that take sensory information from external sensory receptors to the CNS and motor commands away from the CNS to the skeletal muscles.
It is primarily voluntary, with the exception of reflexes.
Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to a stimulus.

Autonomic System

The autonomic system regulates the activity of cardiac and smooth muscles and glands.
It is involuntary and has two component parts:
- Sympathetic division: brings about "fight or flight" responses (norepinephrine).
- Parasympathetic division: brings about relaxed responses or "housekeeper system" (acetylcholine).

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and functions of the human brain, including the cerebrum, cerebral hemispheres, and gray matter. Learn about the brain's role in controlling and coordinating activities.

Biology Chapter 13: Nervous System (Part 2) - The Brain