Identify the major structures of the lower brain.
Describe the functions of the major lower brain structures.
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1. The brainstem and associated structures form the base of the brain. All communications between the cerebral cortex and the rest of the body pass through these structures.
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2. The brainstem itself consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain, with the reticular formation running through the center of these structures and into the thalamus.
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3. The medulla regulates survival functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. The pons has a role in sleep, and works with the cerebellum in coordinating body movements.
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4. The reticular formation regulates a person’s level of alertness, and filters incoming sensory information for danger signals. It arouses a sleeping brain to bring a person back to consciousness.
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5. The cerebellum is attached to the back of the brainstem. Its primary role is to coordinate complex movements such as walking or reaching, but it also processes some sensory information and handles simple forms of learning.
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6. The midbrain is the top portion of the brainstem, located above the pons. The midbrain contains several small processing centers that link vision and hearing with movements of the head and eyes.
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7. The thalamus sits on top the brainstem, like a cap. The thalamus is the main relay station between the senses and the areas of the cerebral cortex that process sensory information.
Practice: Exploring the Lower Brain
Select each of the labels to see a brief description of the function of each brain structure.
Thalamus. Relays sensory messages to the cortex for processing
Cerebellum. Coordinates movement and balance, and simple forms of learning
Pons. Plays a role in sleep and works with the cerebellum in coordinating movements
Medulla. Controls breathing, heartbeat, and other vital functions
Reticular. Filters incoming stimuli and helps regulate arousal and alertness
Midbrain. Links vision and hearing with movements of the head and eyes
Quiz 1
Drag each label to the appropriate brain structure. When all the labels have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.
Quiz 2
Match the brain structures of the lower brain to their descriptions by dragging each colored circle to the appropriate gray circle. When all circles have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.