HMB200H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Lateral Grey Column, Trochlear Nerve, Paramedian Pontine Reticular Formation
Document Summary
Lecture 6: turning and superior colliculus. Evolution of vertebrate brain brain evolves for survival and reproduction (darwin) fast reflexes for protection, feeding, sex. Want to look for brain mechanism that help us escape, find food, find mates for reproduction. Simplest vertebrates: jawless fishes mostly brain stem most of it is spinal cord, hindbrain. Most of the input from the eyes goes to the optic tectum = dorsal part of midbrain (purple) Fish use large eyes to activate the optic tectum, and allows them to turn towards food and other animals. Also have large cerebellum = correct reflexes and adjust vestibular system in respond to challenges. Descending tracts to spinal cord. In mammals, the cerebral hemispheres, cortex (mammals), striatum (birds) bigger: new layered cortical areas of the telencephalon. Approach and avoidance are mediated by the optic tectum, cerebellum and periaqueductal grey (underneath the optic tectum) Ascending systems influence motivation (food, sex, water: mediated by hypothalamic pituitary systems.
