function of brain structures

what is the function of the cerebellum

smoothes out and coordiantes muscle movement.
movement initiated by MOTOR cortex of the cerebrum.
regulates posture and BALANCE.

what structures make up the diencephalon

thalamus and hypothalamus

what is the function of the thalamus?

-gateway, acts as a relay station
-DIRECTS IMPULSES from sensory receptors (from the body) to the sensory cortex.
directs impulses from spinal cord and the brain stem.

what is the function of the hypothalamus?

-regualtes homeostasis in the body
1. PRIMARY CONTROLLER OR THE PITUITARY GLAND
2. control temperature
3.control thirst
4. control water/ electrolytes through the kidney

what are the parts of the brainstem?

midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata

function of the midbrain

contains several nuclei
-nuclei control: eye movement, movement of the head and neck towards visual stimulus, substantia nigra (releases dopamine)
cranial nerves:
(sensory) FOR BODY POSITION
(motor) eyelids, eye movement, lens, pupil. (focusing)

fuction of the pons

-RELAY FOR VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT. (neurons originate in the cerebral cortex)
-HELPS REGULATE BREATHING
cranial nerves (sensory) face and taste)
(motor) Eye movement
Mastication
Facial expressions,
TEAR and SALIVARY GLAND

function of the medulla oblongota

white matter contains all sensory and motor TRACTS (axons) between spinal cord and the rest of the brain.
nuclei for: cardiovascular system and the respiratory system.
other nuclei for: vomitting, swallowing, sneezing, COUGHING
cranial nerves (sensory)
-hearing and balance
-throat, tongue, corotid arteries.
-organs in thoracic cage and abdominal cavity
cranial nerves(motor)
- SWALLOWING, SALIVARY GLANDS
-speech, organs in thoracic cage and abdominal cavity
-tongue, soft pallette,throat, vocal cords,
- muscles of the neck and back

general organization of the spinal cord

central area- grey matter (neuronal cell bodies)
peripheral areas- white matter(neuronal axons TRACTS)
tracts-
ascending (afferent)- sensory receptors to the brain
descending- (efferent) motor axons to the muscles