Functions of Different Parts of the Brain Quiz

Brain Regions and Functions

• Occipital lobe: initial processing of visual input
• Temporal lobe: integration of all sensory input
• Parietal lobe: somatosensory processing, receives somesthetic and proprioceptive input from a specific body area
• Frontal lobe: voluntary motor activity, speaking ability, and elaboration of thought

Somatosensory Processing

• Parietal lobe receives most input from the opposite body side
• Each region of its cortex receives somesthetic and proprioceptive input from a specific body area
• The mapping of somatotopic areas varies slightly between individuals and is in a dynamic steady state
• These areas are influenced by use-dependent competition and modified by experience

Brain Components and Functions

• Cerebral cortex: highly convoluted, outer layer of gray matter
• Basal nuclei: located deep within the white matter, involved in various functions
• Thalamus: relay station for all synaptic input, crude awareness of sensation, some degree of consciousness, and role in motor control
• Hypothalamus: regulation of many homeostatic functions, such as temperature control, thirst, urine output, and food intake
• Cerebellum: maintenance of balance, enhancement of muscle tone, and coordination and planning of skilled voluntary muscle activity
• Brain stem: origin of majority of peripheral cranial nerves, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive control centers, and regulation of muscle reflexes involved with equilibrium and posture

Neurons and Glial Cells

• Interneuron: found entirely within the CNS, lies between afferent and efferent neurons
• Glial cells: about 90% of the CNS cells, do not send signals, support interneurons physically, metabolically, and functionally
• Four main kinds of glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells
• Astrocyte functions: holding neurons together, guiding neurons during development, establishing a blood-brain barrier, repairing brain injuries, and playing a role in neurotransmitter activity
• Oligodendrocyte function: forms myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS
• Microglia function: immune defense of the CNS, releases destructive chemicals against targets
• Ependymal cells function: lining the internal cavities of the CNS, helping form cerebrospinal fluid, and serving as neural stem cells