PS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Autonomic Nervous System, Odd Future, Limbic System
Document Summary
The brain can be divided into 3 major regions: hindbrain, midbrain and the forebrain. Hindbrain: includes the cerebellum and the lower part of the brainstem: the medulla and the pons. The medulla is in charge of unconscious but vital functions such as circulating blood, breathing, reflexes like sneezing, coughing, etc. Pons (means bridge) is a bridge of fibers that connects the brainstem with the cerebellum. The cerebellum (little brain) is large and deeply folded. It"s critical to the coordination of movement and balance. The cerebellum plays a key role in organizing sensory movement. For example, basic movements for a drunken driving test show the cerebellum is one of the first structures handicapped by alcohol. Midbrain: an area concerned with integrating sensory processes, such as vision and hearing. In both the hindbrain and midbrain is the reticular formation, which helps muscle reflexes and breathing. It"s best known for the regulation of sleep and arousal.
