PSY/340 Version 3
1
University of Phoenix Material
Brain Structures and Functions Worksheet
Provide a brief description for each of the following functions:
1.
Basal ganglia
Controls cognition, movement coordination, and voluntary movement.
2.
Corpus collosum
Thick band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
3.
Temporal lobe
The lobe involved in hearing, language comprehension, and memory.
4.
Occipital lobe
The portion of the (mammalian) brain that is responsible for visual processing.
5.
Frontal lobe
The lobe involved in organization, planning, and inhibition control.
6.
7.
Cerebrum
The largest and most highly developed part of the human brain.
Spinal cord
Portion of the central nervous system which carries information between the brain and the body.
8.
Cerebellum
Latin for “little brain” this structure is involved in balance, posture, and movement.
9.
Medulla
Responsible for regulating crucial body functions such as respiration and heart rate.
10.
Pons
Involved in sleep and dreams.
11.
Hippocampus
Involved in learning, short term memory, spatial memory, and damaged by Alzheimer’s disease.
12.
Amygdala
Located within the temporal lobe. It is involved in several functions including, arousal, automatic responses associated with fear, memory, emotional responses, hormonal secretions.
13. Pituitary gland
A small endocrine organ that controls a multitude of important functions in the body. It is also known as the "master gland" because it directs other endocrine glands to induce or suppress the production of
14. hormones.
Hypothalamus
Part of the brain which produces hormones that control body temperature, hunger/thirst, mood, sex drive, and circadian rhythm. Also responsible for the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
15. Thalamus
Contains many different areas that act as a relay station