PSY 101 Study Guide - Auditory Cortex, Wilder Penfield, Visual Cortex

Older brain structures: sustain basic life functions and enable memory, emotions, and basic drives. The medulla is the base of the brainstem that controls involuntary functions such as heartbeat and breathing. The reticular formation filters incoming stimuli (from the spinal cord) and relays information to other areas of the brain (particularly arousal) The thalamus receives information from all the senses (except smell) and routes it to higher brain regions, e. g. from eyes to cortical areas for vision. The cerebellum is ( little brain ) is attached to the rear of the brainstem. It helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance; also plays a role in learning motor skills. The limbic system includes the hippocampus, which is involved in acquisition of memories. The limbic system also includes the amygdala, which regulates fear and aggression. And the hypothalamus, which regulates the four f"s: fighting, fleeing, feeding, and fornicatin. The cerebral cortex: at least 2/3 of total mass, 2mm deep layer, convoluted.